Andrew (Andy) Michael Russo, devoted to family
Andrew (Andy) Michael Russo passed away Monday, March 6, 2017. He was born Nov. 9, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pa., son of the late Thomas Dominic Russo and Anna (Helmeci) Russo Vargo.
Andy was a proud U.S, Army veteran. He made a career in the steel industry, working as a master welder/boilermaker for many years. He enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader, and a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins fan. More than anything, however, he cherished time spent with his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Andrew is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Janet “Elaine” (Valiska) Russo of Pittsburgh, Denver, Colo., and Lewes; his daughters: Tiffany L. Russo and her husband Jim Audas Jr., of Bethesda Md., and Tara R. Russo of Wilmington; and his grandchildren: Abigail Russo Audas, and Andrew James Audas, his namesake, both of Bethesda. In addition, he was the second of 10 siblings, and is survived by siblings Claire (Bill) Roy, Thomas - his identical twin - (Catherine) Russo, the late Charlotte (Bob) Klasnick, James (Marilyn) Russo, Joseph “Jerry” (Lisa) Russo, the late Edward Vargo, Donna (John) Vargo Petrolla, and Garry (Connie) Vargo.
Andy loved Elaine and his family with fierce conviction, and personified the meaning of Live Well, Laugh Often, and Love Much. Andy leaves an exemplary legacy of love and integrity through his family and those who knew him. He has left behind wonderful memories of a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He was spiritually strong, compassionate, intelligent, and had a cleaver sense of humor. Above all… he is loved and cherished by his family. “Love is how you stay alive even after you die” - Morrie Schwartz
We are grateful for each and every day we got to see his glowing smile, and for the lessons learned and all the jokes we shared. We will miss him more than words can express. Our world is better and brighter because of him.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday March 13, at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggestions contributions in Andy’s memory to one of the following: Brain Support Network, at www.brainsupportnetwork.org, Delaware Hospice, at www.DelawareHospice.org, Lutheran Church of Our Savior, at www.LCOSRehoboth.org, or Cape Center for Movement Disabilities, at www.midwayfitness.com.
Please visit Andy’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
