John R. Russo of Wilmington, DE, passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 21, 2009.

John was the son of Andrew and Mary DeGaro Russo, born March 5, 1922. John graduated from Johnstown High School in 1940, and served in the United States Coast Guard stationed in the Philippines. John married Mary Harvey in 1948, and graduated from Antioch College with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1950.

After moving to Delaware in 1969, John worked in administration at the A.I. DuPont School District, and was Assistant Director of Delaware Technical & Community College. After working in education, John was Assistant Director of the March of Dimes until 1987, the worked at PNC bank until his retirement.

John was member of the Seller's Senior Center, Served as a Brandywine Chapter AARP Representative, and volunteered for the Ingleside Carevan. John was recognized by the State of Delaware Senate Committee for his efforts in the State Legislative & Citizens Investigative Panel on Nursing Home Reform.

John was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Mary DeGaro Russo; nine siblings, Marie Lynch, Essie Fear, brothers, Edmund, Roland, Charles (child) James, Dominic, William, and Charles.

John Survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary; sons, Mark Russo, David Russo and wife Eileen, Ronald Russo and his wife Debbie; daughter, Andrea Houser and husband Ken, along with his beloved grandchildren, Mark Russo Jr. and wife Laura, Matthew Russo, Nicole Botsford and husband Brian, Anthony Russo and wife Darcey, Michael Russo, Adrianna Russo, Lauren and Elizabeth Giampietro and Katie Houser. John was also blessed by his great-grandchildren, Davis Russo and Jordan DiMarco; his sisters-in-law, Barbara and Elizabeth Russo, along with his many loved nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Visitation will be held at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE Monday, July 27, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. A memorial mass will be held Tuesday, July 28th at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Holy Child, Naaman's Rd. and interment at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE.

John's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Badrish Patel, MD. and Maureen Seckel, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and all his beloved nurses and staff of 3-D,

Along with the many nurses and doctors of Christiana Care Wilmington Hospital who cared for "Paesan".

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Christiana Care Development Office, P.O. Box 1668, Wilmington, DE 19855 in honor of his outstanding caregivers.