Samuel Russo Obituary

Samuel Russo, Sr.

1920 - 2010 PITTSFIELD Samuel Joseph Russo, Sr., of 87 Acorn St., Pittsfield, died Wednesday, July 7, at Berkshire Medical Center.

Born in Pittsfield on Nov. 29, 1920, son of Frank and Caroline Lucci Russo, he was a graduate of Pittsfield High School, where he lettered in three sports, football, basketball, and baseball. Following graduation, he served in the Army during World War II.

Mr. Russo was first employed within the civilian sector through the Advertising Dept. at England Brothers before moving on to Grant's Department Store as the Advertising Manager. Mr. Russo received many awards for the window displays that he designed. He later changed careers and went to work at the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier. Finally, until retirement at 65, he worked as a dispatcher for Petricca Construction.

Samuel was a communicant of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, where he was an active member of the Holy Name Society. Along with his wife, he volunteered on many church committees and fundraising events for the Parish Center. He was an active member of the ITAM Lodge, where he served in many boards and administrative positions.

When it came to sports, Sam was at his best. He went from an avid player to a great proponent and organizer of youth sports. Sam was a motivated and respected coach and manager at all levels, and, finally, an original member of the Berkshire County Baseball and Basketball Officials Associations. In the capacity of officiating, there was none better. As he was actively involved in coaching and officiating for almost 40 years, there are countless numbers of former coaches and athletes who will remember him in this capacity. No one in the family knows where Sam found the time to watch his two sons play sports, and in later years, his grandchildren as they participated in their respective fields of sports. The only answer is that his entire family was his greatest enjoyment.

Samuel's family would like to extend their warmest thanks to the staff at Berkshire Medical Center in both the Emergency Department and floor 2 South for their care and support during this difficulty time. A special thank you to Kim, the caregiver of Sam for the past 16 months.

Sam was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Virginia, who died March 8, 2009.

He leaves two sons and their spouses, Samuel Jr. and Pamela Russo of Pittsfield and Thomas and Elizabeth Russo of Rockland; seven grandchildren, Samuel, Lindsay, Sarah, Rachel, Amy, Jeffrey, and Jennifer; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Celia Bruno and Concetta Stankiewicz, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by six brothers, Joseph, James, Peter, Frank, Anthony, and John, and three sisters, Dorothy, Elizabeth, and Mary.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Services will take place Monday, July 12, 2010, at 8 a.m. from the FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church by the Rev. Geoffrey J. Deeker C.S.S. Entombment will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Mausoleum in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday, July 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Members of the Central Berkshire Holy Name Society will meet at the funeral home at 5:30 p.m. for a prayer service and members of the Sons of Italy ITAM Lodge will meet at 6 p.m. for a Ritual Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of the funeral home.