John V. Russo

John V. Russo, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on March 14th in Naples, Florida at the age 91. He was a devoted husband of 59 years to Rosanna (née DiIorio). He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Sadie Russo and his in-laws John and Maria DiIorio. John is survived by his loving children: Lisa A. Russo, Sal A. Russo (Tracy), Johnna Jasko (Steven) and six grandchildren: John & Christopher Jasko, Victoria R. Fant, Lindsay, Nicholas and Cassie Russo. He is also survived by his brothers: James (Diana),Sal (Elisa), & brother-in-law Tony DiIorio (Anna). He was a dear uncle and great uncle to many.

John was born on October 25, 1927 and grew up on the east side of Cleveland. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1946, and then left to serve at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. John returned to Cleveland to work in the family grocery business, Russo's Stop-n-Shop, with his father and two brothers. Many former Russo's customers will have fond memories of John assisting them with their wine selections, and many former employees will remember him as a kind, caring and hard-working boss. He and his brothers, along with the third Russo generation, grew the family business to four stores and then eventually sold their stores to Giant Eagle in 1998, at which point he "officially" retired. He could never quite get the grocery business out of his system, however, as he continued to make daily visits to local stores and markets.

He met his devoted wife, Rosanna, at an Italian dance soon after she had moved to America. They dated and then married in 1959, going on to have 3 children and then 6 grandchildren. John was a loving and devoted husband, father, and a proud and caring grandfather to his six grandchildren. Family meant everything to him, and he loved to attend events for his grandchildren, spend time with his family, and entertain the family with his infamous stories. He was a master storyteller, with a quick wit and a beautiful heart and soul. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are requested to meet for the Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated on Thursday, March 21st at 10am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 6850 Mayfield Rd., Gates Mills, Ohio 44040. Entombment at Knollwood Cemetery following mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of John to the American Heart Association or St. Francis of Assisi Church in Gates Mills.