Russell Lissuzzo Obituary

To the Lissuzzo Family,

I recently tried contacting Russell and to my dismay I learned via a Google search of his transition.

I did have the opportunity of visiting with Russell in his offices about a year prior to his transition.

Russel, your genius was and will be always appreciated - and thank you for your mentoring.

The Moutoussamy (Claude) Family

To Sharlene, Russ, Rise, Tony and Ross -
If you haven't already read the tribute written by Mike Cagnina, please do. What a wonderfully written, sincere and true description of Mr. Lissuzzo. He lived his whole life for his wife, children and friends. Always happy, a delight to be with, in love with being alive, generous, caring for family and others, compassionate, and loyal.
I remember Spring vacations in Florida, summers on Lake Geneva, and most recently a generous invitation to dinner in Ft. Lauderdale with my oldest son and myself. And of course, Russell insisting on picking up the tab. So what else is new? What a good time we had sharing old times together.. He will sorely be missed by all of us, but will live on forever in our hearts and rememberances. May you be blessed with all the good memories he made happen. With love and deep condolences to all of you,
Sarah Koch-Smicklas

To the Lissuzzo Family:
It was with great sadness that I read of Russell's death. Many years ago at Mann School I taught young Russell. His mom and dad were always so helpful and thoughtful. They loved their children very much and were a fun family to be with. My sincere sympathy to all of you. We have lost a good man of kindness and love.
My prayers are with you.
Roseann Heintz Forschner (3rd and 4th grade teacher at Mann School).

Dear "DD" and family,

When we think of Russell we think of a good natured, kind hearted man that has a geniune love for his family and others.

Family meant everything to Russell. He was always made it a point to call and check up on things. He made everyone always feel welcome. He was someone that you always wanted to be around. We will miss him dearly.

Love,
Lou, Michele, Tali and Dominique

Dear DD and family,There are no words to express how we feel. Russ will be in our hearts always. We love you all, Aunt Marie and Uncle Smokey

Dear Mrs. Lissuzzo, Russ, Ross, Rise and Joe,

Please accept our sincerest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Lissuzzo was very kind and generous gentleman.

Please take care....

Linda and John Wendt

MY COUSIN, RUSSELL, WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY MAN, IN EVERY ASPECT OF HIS LIFE. I HAD ALWAYS RESPECTED HIM NOT JUST AS A BIG COUSIN, BUT AS A RESPONSIBLE AND SUCCESSFUL MAN. HE WAS JUST PLAINLY AND SIMPLY "SUPER" ! HE MADE ME SMILE ! HE FOREVER SHOWED ALL OF US HOW MUCH WE WERE LOVED. THIS WAS SO CLEAR TO ANYONE WHO SAW HIM WITH "D.D.", HIS CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MAN, AND WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HE AND "D.D." HAVE CREATED FOR US TO LOVE.

Dear Mrs. Lissuzzo,Ross & family,

Kay and I are so very sorry for your loss and want to wish our deepest condolences. Mr. L was a wonderful man and we feel honored to have known him.

Mrs. L, Russell, Rise, Tony, Ross & your families:

It’s all about you!

There are people we meet throughout our lives who unfortunately focus only on themselves. Fortunately there are also people we meet who strive to live life for others, but still must balance that with their own fulfillment.

But it is rare that we have the pleasure to interact with someone who “Truly” made it all about you, always living for others, sacrificing with out any personal benefit in mind. Every day, every action, every word! That is Mr. L!

His smile, his words, and his appreciation for any situation you were in provided a certain level of comfort that is hard to describe in words, but I will try.

Living for others was in his unconscious and his conscience, heck it was part of his DNA and most definitely it was in his heart.

If you needed help of any kind he was there for you. If you needed words of encouragement he knew exactly what to say to make you feel like you were on top of the world. If you achieved something extraordinary he was there to help you celebrate and enjoy the moment. If you needed someone to listen he was all ears.

But what was most extraordinary about Mr. L to me was that if it was just an average non- eventful day he made that day seem special and at the same time he made you feel special.

As a child, I used to stop by your house in the morning on the way to venture off to Mann School with Ross. Mrs. L was slicing fruit, sizzling bacon and toasting bread. Mr. L would come downstairs and have that unforgettable smile and remarkable voice of assurance “Hey Mike” “Good Morning” “How Are You” “Have a Good Day”. These are very common phrases, but he said them with true meaning, as if something extraordinary had just happened or was about to happen. In reality, it was just another day. But he seemed to thrive on making us feel that something special was happening all the time.

His satisfaction seemed to come from providing for others, allowing us to smile. What a satisfying life he did live!

Do we wish we had him physically for another 30 years? Absolutely!
Did the 70 years he was here physically count for more like 200 years? Without a doubt!

Thanks to all of you for sharing your lives and families. You are truly a special group of friends. Ross you have been my best friend since kindergarten. Your Dad has been a friend of mine that entire time. For that I am grateful. He will always be in my heart.

If you family ever needs anything I will be here for you; as your father was always there for me!

We all know that the “L” in Mr. L was short for Lissuzzo. What I think the “L” really meant was “Love for others”.

Mike

Russ was always a bright spot in my day whenever he stopped by the office. It was a true joy to know him! My thoughts are with his family and friends now and in the days ahead.

With very heavy hearts we want to express our deepest sadness at the loss of a truly extraordinary man.

His engaging smile and enthusiasm, no matter what the subject of discussion, filled us with such warmth. His excitement, expressiveness and tenderness, that welcomed us like the world's greatest hug, will be profoundly missed.

We are honored and truly better people, for having known him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.