Anthony N. Russo

October 13, 2008

Newburgh, NY

Anthony N. Russo, son of Angela Rose Russo and Anthony J. Russo, entered into rest on Columbus Day.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn (Griggs) of 41 years; his loving daughter, Stephanie N. Russo of New Paltz, NY and loving son, Vincent J. Russo of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; his "other" son, Paul Truncali of White Plains, NY and his constant friend and "brother", Scott Becchetti. His childhood friends, Mike DiRenzio and Mike Pascale, were valuable supports throughout his life.

Tony graduated from Marlboro High School in 1964 and proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Radioman on a P3 Orion, flying recognizance missions out of Brunswick, Maine over the Atlantic on the Eastern Seaboard, in search of Russian subs. He served on the aircraft carriers USS Forrestal and the Shangri -la. He missed being sent to Vietnam by one month, which he regretted throughout his lifetime.

Tony was an active member of his local community and a big believer in social justice. He was appointed by Roy Innis to be the North East Director of Congress of Racial Equality and was instrumental in organizing One Street at a Time Program in City of Newburgh. Tony volunteered for Marlboro Hose Co., TOMVAC and helped chair the Special Olympics as a young man.

Tony was a diehard GIANTS fan. He coached M&B Basketball and Marlboro Youth Baseball. For many years he was an active member of the Marlboro Football Booster Club and announced home games. He was an avid hunter and spent each season with his good friends of the Montgomery Hunting Club in Narrowsburg, NY.

Tony was most proud of his appointment by Gov. Pataki as the Executive Director of the New York State Athletic Commission, serving along side of his longtime boxing idol and friend, Floyd Patterson. He was also voted a Vice President of the National Association of Boxing Commissions and was instrumental in the Uniform Championship Rules for the safety of fighters in all states.

Tony was the owner and operator of Fuzzy's Shell Station. He owned various businesses throughout his lifetime - Tony's Pizza Barn & Deli in Wappingers Falls, The Twilight Tavern in Newburgh and Tony's Coffee Wagon.

Most remember Tony as a lover of fast cars. He began racing a Bantam roadster in B-Altered class at Dover Drag Strip in 1968. But most recently his Red '69 Camaro was his passion. His biggest thrill was doing burnouts on Main St. in Lake George to the boisterous cheers of the crowd.

Tony will be greatly missed by his family, friends and many others who knew him over his 61 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, October 18 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Marlboro.

Friends may call on Friday, October 17 from 4-8 p.m. at the DiDonato Funeral Home, 1290 Route 9W, Marlboro. Burial will military honors will take place on Saturday, October 18 at St. Mary's Cemetery, Marlboro.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Carl J. DiDonato, Jr. and Lawrence M. Cavazza of the DiDonato Funeral Home; 845-236-4300.