Edmondo "Eddie" J. Russo

Edmondo “Eddie” Russo, born November 23, 1937, passed away suddenly on March 1, 2024 at his home in Cairo, New York, leaving an immense absence among those who love him. Eddie was born in Camerota, Italy, to a large family of 21 children. He and his family endured hardships during WWII, and as an adolescent Eddie had to leave the country to find work to help support his family. He joined his relatives in Venezuela where he lived and worked for 7 years. It was a difficult life and he eventually left to be with his oldest sister in New York. Eddie served in the US Army during the Vietnam War era and quickly became popular for his affable, outgoing nature. His multilingual skills were an asset and he became a translator for non-English speakers and trained them in his specializations, such as rifles. After his military service, Eddie returned to Italy where he met the love of his life , Assunta “Susie” Tarallo, on the beach of Marina di Camerota. They married and then moved to Long Island to start a family. Eddie became a U.S. Citizen and was proud to be an American. He later joined The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Throughout his life, Eddie was hard-working and dedicated to his family. He and Susie opened Russo Ristorante (originally Pizzeria Russo) in 1976 and created a loving place for customers to enjoy recipes from their hometown in Italy. He loved to get to know his customers and share stories with them. Eddie also ran a produce business for decades and delivered fresh fruits and vegetables to resorts and businesses throughout Greene County and vicinity. Throughout the years, Eddie donated his time, fresh produce, and cooking for charities and worthy causes, such as churches and the American Heart Association, Cairo Police Department, and St. Anthony’s Friary. Also, during Eddie's lifetime he wa a long-time member of The Knights of Columbus. Eddie was well known and loved for his enthusiasm for life and people. He was the kind of person who sought to help others, even if he just met them. He was an active member of his community. As a devout Roman Catholic, he attended mass and religious events faithfully. Eddie served as a Eucharistic Minister for decades, at the Sacred Heart Church and then at Our Lady of Knock Shrine, and volunteered in other ways. He was also a member of San Silverio Shrine. Eddie loved life and left an indelible impression on those who knew him. He had a vivacious personality, an infectious laugh, and a big heart. He devoted his time to helping and doing for others, and especially adored his wife, children, and grandchildren with an immense and profound affection. Eddie is greatly missed, however he would not want anyone to mourn for his passing, but to celebrate his life and each other. He lived by Padre Pio’s motto: “Pray, Have Hope and Don’t Worry.” Eddie is survived by his wife, Assunta (Susie); his five daughters, Gabriella(Gary) , Gloria(Peter) ,Anna , Maria( Angelo) , Susan( Eli), and all his grandchildren: Nicholas and Matthew , Amedeo , Sofia , Giovanni , Sabrina , and Elisa , Brandon , and Khloe and Stephanie. He is also survived by his siblings, Biagio, Dante, Beatrice, and Gloria. Eddie is greatly missed and we love him beyond words. His family will always have a special place in their hearts for him. We will always be missing a piece of our hearts and his grandchildren miss their Papi so much. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at Richards Funeral Home of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc., 29 Bross St., Cairo, NY, 12413, followed by Mass of the Christian Burial to be celebrated on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 12:30 PM at The Sacred Heart Church, 35 Church Street, Cairo, NY, 12413. Interment to follow with U.S. Army Military Honors at the family plot of The Round Top Cemetery, South Road, Round Top, NY, 12473. Arrangements are under the direction of Richards Funeral Home of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc., 29 Bross Street, Cairo, NY, 12413. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.richardsfunrtalhomeinc.net.

Edmondo "Eddie" J. Russo

November 23, 1937 - March 1, 2024