Joseph Leroy Russo

Joseph Russo Sr., 78, of Lake in the Hills, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 in Elgin, IL.

Joe was born March 18, 1939 in Chicago, the son of Jasper and Vassie Russo.  He was raised with his siblings: Vera, Lewis and Dora.

Joe attended Nobel Elementary School and Steinmetz High School in Chicago.  At 17, he joined the Marines where he served 2 years, achieving the rank of Corporal. Upon arriving home, he was reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Mary Mackey.  They were married on November 14, 1959, and were blessed with five children.

Joe had a long career at the First National Bank of Chicago.  During his later years, Joe acquired his Real Estate License and worked for Caldwell Banker.  Joe valued hard work, and he passed that work ethic on to all five children.

Outside of work, Joe had several life long passions.  He was an avid gardener, which tied in well with his passion for cooking.  One of his specialties was his homemade spaghetti sauce cooked with ingredients from his garden.  It was such a treat for family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, especially with his son Joe Jr., and was quite a movie buff along with his wife, Mary.

By far, Joe’s greatest passion was his family.  He adored his wife and they were married 58 years to the day. He savored the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and encouraged them with loyalty and support.  Anyone that knew Joe, knew that his family was his greatest joy.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Mackey) Russo; his children, Donna (Christopher) Olson, Joseph (Nina) Russo, Nancy (William) Silva, Patricia (Luke) Peco and Annette (Douglas) Gallagher; 12 grandchildren and a great granddaughter; his siblings, Vera Pyle, J. Lewis (Elaine) Russo and Dora (Allen) Schroeder; and his Uncle Carl Russo.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will held at Crossway Church, The Oaks at Prairie Point, 1300 Cunat Court, Lake in the Hills, IL, on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm.  Military Honors and shared memories will be from 5:00 – 5:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Northern Illinois Center for Autism (nicautism.org) 824 S. Main St. Suite 104, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.