Obituary of Robert C. Russo

Robert C. Russo, Longtime Denville Resident Bob Russo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26th. He shared 98 years of love and laughter with his family and friends. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 13th at 1:30 pm at St. Mary's Church, Denville. Robert was born in Franklin to the late John and Mary (Minila) Russo. His Dad passed away when he was 8 years old so he started working at an early age to support his Mom and siblings. He proudly served our country in the US Army during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to the states and enjoyed his time in a band with his buddies. He was working a gig at the Rockaway River Country Club one evening and met a girl. She was searching on the floor for her earring. Bob leaned over to help her, sparking a relationship that lasted over 61 years. Her name was Jean Sperry, and soon after, the couple married, settled in Denville and started a family. Bob worked as a delivery boy and learned to be a butcher at a place called Pals Market in Denville. He then worked for the A & P for many years and also continued his music career. He was a lead singer and a talented bass fiddler. He worked long hours, providing a good life for his wife and nine children. A product of the greatest generation, he knew the value of a dollar and hard work. He was proud to provide opportunities to his family that he didn’t have. Bob was a fixture in this town, everyone knowing the local butcher. His large family certainly has much to celebrate for having had so many years of love and wisdom from this dear Patriarch. Predeceased by his wife Jean, his son Kenny, and his grandson Anthony; he leaves happy memories to his eight children, seventeen grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, three great, great grandchildren and many more relatives, dear friends and care takers.