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Russell P. Preno Jr. of Scranton and Naples, Fla. died Monday morning at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debbie Stanko Preno and his son, Russell P. Preno III.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton, by the Rev. Joseph Sica.
Friends may call today from 3-8 p.m. in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton.
Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made to Clearbrook Foundation Fund, 37 N. River St., Suite 101, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
For directions, to share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit www.vanstonandjames.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
he was a gem, our local treasure in both the kitchen and the front of the house.....Debbie and son carry on beautifully .....
Toni Alperin Goldberg
Friend
June 5, 2021
I am deeply saddened to hear only yesterday of Russell 's passing and will always have many good memories of Russell during my lifetime of years in Scranton. Wish I could have been there for a final goodbye and share personal condolences with the family. Our prayers are with you.
Tom Coco, Sr.
June 23, 2014
Debbie and Russell, So sorry for your loss.
Jackie & Bob Gurz
June 19, 2014
Mark Twain said "live your life so even the undertaker grieves your passing." You nailed it Russ! Sister Mary Arthur & Mother St. Helen can be proud of you & their ceaseless efforts to set you on a holy course.
Chuck Boyle LCSW
June 16, 2014
Sympathy & kindest regards to the Preno family & many friends wherever they may be. God bless 1 & all. Take care.
Ray Allen
June 16, 2014
From Seattle, Rusd was a fine man and my wife, Diane, and I always enjoyed Russell's. He is home with The Lord.
Jim Summers
Issaquah, WA
Jim Summers
June 15, 2014
Dear Deb & Russell,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. He was a wonderful man & a great chef! So sorry...Trish Fitch-Heil
June 15, 2014
Russ and family,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Russ. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. My condolences to the entire Preno family.
Matt Lynott
June 14, 2014
Dear Debbie, Russ III and family,
I am saddened to hear of you losing your beloved Russ...what a tremendous pain for your family to bear. Hold on to the happy memories that you hold so dear and may God's love and your friends love help you through this very heartbreaking time.
Linda Costa
June 14, 2014
So many good times and wonderful family celebrations at Russell's.his place became our official party/luncheon/dinner spot. Russell catered to everyone as if that one were his only customer that night. His love of life and wonderful ways of conducting himself will always mark him as a true gentleman. His pride in Little Russell, and his loving wife Debbie were boundless and infinite. He lit up when he spoke of them. What a legacy of love,great work ethic, and genuine caring hospitality he leaves us all, who loved him. God bless him, and Debbie, and "bubby" and his beautiful fiancé. He will truly be missed.
Armand Zangardi
June 13, 2014
We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Russell. Our deepest condolences go out to your entire beautiful family.
Bob Flannery / Leane Pace
June 13, 2014
I have many fond memories of Russ and really appreciate just how nice of a person he was to our family. I worked at Russels for my first job as a young teenager and remember going to Preno's with Russ to cut steaks, going to the liquor store with him in his Cadallac (top down) to get alcohol for the bar and many memories of busy weekend and holliday nights in the kitchen.
Sincerest condolences to the Preno family.
Mark Jesse
June 13, 2014
Deepest sympathy to Debby and Russell. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this sad time. We certainly have a lot of good memories.
Trish and Nick Colangelo
June 13, 2014
My condolences to the entire Preno family. Lot of wonderful memories from years ago.
Joseph Booth
June 13, 2014
Debbie and Lil Russ. I am so sorry for you're loss. He was one of a kind for sure and will be missed. RIP old friend..
Patsy Gerrity
June 12, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Preno family on the passing of Russ. My brother Tom, who also passed too soon, and Russ were good friends since childhood. I, and many others in our family, came to know and love Russ over the years and we enjoyed many family get togethers, both happy celebrations and more somber commemorations, at Russell's wonderful restaurant. Russell was always welcoming and gracious. He will be missed.
Mike Ruane
June 12, 2014
So sad to hear of Russell's passing.,never without a smile, I miss him already!!!!
Kelly Ryan
June 12, 2014
I am Deeply sorry for your Loss. What can I say, everything I could say was already said. I'll Miss Russell He always had a smile on his face when I talked to him.... God Bless the entire Preno Family!!!
Carl Carlsen
June 12, 2014
Dear Debbie,
My deepest sympathy to you and Russell Jr.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Nancy Gallagher (former Hamilton School teacher)
June 12, 2014
Debbie and Russell Jr. Sorry to hear of Russell's passing. A great man. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Mr. & Mrs. Ricky Collarini
June 12, 2014
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE PREN0 FAMILY, AND FAREWELL TO MY GOOD OLD BUDDY, RUSSELL. TOM DUNN - 1965 U OF S
June 12, 2014
Russell was a truly amazing guy. He was always quick to laugh, tell a great story and bring joy to the people around him. My condolences go out to Debbie, Russ and the Preno family.
Tim Calpin
June 12, 2014
Dear Debbie,Russell and Family, What great memories of Prenos and Russells, Love, Laughter and great fun. Our dear Russell was the CEO of those wonderful years. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Joan Foley
Joan Foley
June 12, 2014
Russ was the first townie I met on the first day I arrived at the U. We were friends for a long time. In fact, I was engaged to Peggy Ann. The three of us used to take trips, go out for dinner, and have good times. Now, both are dead, and I feel very much alone. Because of my bad back, I can't drive up to say good-bye, but will do it here. Deb, you need anything, let me know. Same goes for, of course, MJ and Tommy and young Russ.
vince balitas
June 12, 2014
God Bless Russell!
Deepest sympathies to all the Preno's.
Love John, Janel, Alaina, Livia and John Henry.
The Van Wie's
June 12, 2014
Russell was a very good friend of my brother Frank. I remember Russ as a super friendly outgoing guy. They always had good times together with the rest of the Hill Section crowd. Always loved a party. And boy did they party!
Joe Notz
June 12, 2014
We are so sad to hear of cousin Russell's passing. Morning coffee time at our kitchen table in Naples will never be the same without him.
We send our love and condolences to all the Preno family.
Jim and Ann Moran, Naples,FL
June 12, 2014
God bless Russell , great guy , don't know family but he was always very cordial at the restaurant, made us feel like family, Condolences to family
Bob
June 12, 2014
Debbie, Russ, and Preno family. We are so sorry to hear of Russell's passing. Not only did the town lose a greAt restaurateur And family man but we all feel we lost a part of our family. He was so special and made everyone feel that way whenever we were at the restaurant. We had many good memories there and He will be sorely missed. Remember in life they are loved and in memory they live.
Rest in peace our friend.
Linda & John Yantorn
June 12, 2014
YOU ALWAYS TREATED ME LIKE I WAS THE BEST,ENJOYED BOWLING ON YOUR TEAM, MOST OF ALL ENJOYED YOU AND YOUR FRIENDSHIP, FOOD AND LOVE OF LIFE
JOSEPH SAKULICH
June 11, 2014
I am so upset to hear about Russell's passing. He was my biggest mentor when it came to cooking and the restaurant business. He was always there to help and give advice. An absolute gentleman!
Debbie, Russell Jr and family, I am truly sorry for your loss.
RIP Russell
Jeff Sileo
June 11, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Debbie and Russell Jr. He was like no other. God Bless
Tommy Comerford
June 11, 2014
I learned of Russ's passing from my sister Laurie Hazzard who worked with his brother Tom for years at Hazzards Raintree. I paused thinking of the paths our lives take and the coincidences that come about. I am grateful to have had the chance to have met him and will remember his smile and kind personality. I hope for the family that healing comes with warm thoughts and memories of their loved one as he will be remembered by many. Julie R. Diehl, Naples Fl.
June 11, 2014
I was saddened to learn of Russell's passing, my heartfelt condolences to the family, God bless you all during this difficult time, I join with those who mourn your loss.
Roberta Alana Pearson, Hemet, CA
June 11, 2014
As a good friend of Peggy's I can only begin to perhaps understand why we lost her first this truely would have broken her heart. She loved him so only equaled to how she
Loved little Russell. My heart breaks for Debbie , little Russell, Maryjoe and Tommy. I miss
My dear friend Peggy every day. You are in my prayers
Eileen Spector
June 11, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Preno family. Russell was a generous and kind host who made this young New Jersey transplant feel welcome the moment I met him and every occasion after that. God bless you in this difficult time, you are in my prayers.
Vinny Solomeno
June 11, 2014
Deb, Mary-jo and Russ, We are so saddened by the loss of our very good friend, confidant and brother. I'm sitting here tearing as I reminisce of the crap we used to do with all of us such as shape up with Sheila getting together at the rest. with my mom and Lee O and my entire family. I can remember the kindness and hilarity of himself. His generosity had no bounds and his love of family and life was an example to all who knew him. We can go on and on but mostly the Lord will be eating well and we will see him at the table when it's our turn. God Bless you all and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Jack McDonnell
June 11, 2014
To the Preno family,
Words feel inadequate to express how sorry we feel for your loss. He was such a terrific guy. He will surely be missed.
Patrice and Michael Sinkevich
June 11, 2014
Dear Debbie, Russell Jr, Tom, Mary Jo,
David and I are so sorry to hear that Russell passed. We shared a profession, passion for restaurants and good food and great service to great people. We were always honored when any of the Prenos dined at the Rainetree. A great family, great people, our great fortune. Russell holds a dear place in our hearts.
June 11, 2014
Russell was a friend for over 60 years. I would always want him by my side for the bad times and the good times. I loved to play poker with Russell. This started at his kitchen table on N Webster, and continued thru the years. He was always ready to help a friend who was down on his luck. I'll be one of the multitude who will miss him. There will never be another like him.
Bart Graham
June 11, 2014
Russell was a wonderful friend to the zmauskas family who loved him like family. He will always have a special spot in our hearts. Bob Carol and Toni.
toni zmauskas
June 11, 2014
Russ was a special friend of mine from childood to the grave. He would spring out of the kitchen to embarce me when I came home from LA and we would eat and eat. He was not a saint, but he was a beloved friend. Keep the kitchen open for me, Russ.
Love to my childhood pal,
Jack McGee
Thousand Oaks, CA
Jack (Fizz) McGee
June 11, 2014
Preno Family,
So sorry to hear of Mr Preno's passing. What a loss, you are all in out thoughts and prayers.
Maura Buzad Trainor
June 11, 2014
Mary Jo,
I'm so sorry to hear about Russell's passing. I still remember him banging on that bell at Preno's if we didn't get the food out fast enough. And he's always make me try every food I've never had including soft shell crabs and mussels. To this day I think of all mussels and Russel's mussels. He was a good guy. Hope you're doing OK
Maura Sevier-Burgess
June 11, 2014
Russell will be missed by his family and many,many friends.He was such a joy to be with.
Brian McGlynn
June 11, 2014
Goodbye my friend, you will leave a void that will NEVER be filled and you will be missed dearly!
My sincerest condolences go out to Debbie, Russ III, Tommy and Mary Jo what a tragic loss to endure.
The Lord surely must have wanted a GOOD GUY and friend up there with him. I know myself and our mutual pal Corky will never forget the wonderful times spent together. Love ya Big Russ!
"Slick"
Slick and Maureen Cawley
June 11, 2014
We have many fond memories of Russell and extend our condolences to his family.
John and Tina Lesher
June 11, 2014
Russell preno was part of our lives. It was great loss to us and his family. Tony and Joan Agnone
June 11, 2014
Dear Preno Family,
Please accept our deep sympathy on your loss.
Preno's and Russell's are etched in our taste buds so indelibly- our mouths water at the memories of all your exquisite food.
RIP and thank you for all the many multiple foodie delights for so many years.
Linda (Meil) and Jerry Mittelman
June 11, 2014
We are so very sorry for your loss. It truly is like losing a member of the family. May God's love be with you. Sheila, Michael and Philip Cutler
Sheila Cutler
June 11, 2014
Debbie and Russ. So saddened to hear of Russell's passing. Visited with him at the restaurant 3 weeks ago. His memory will never be forgotten
Love thoughts and prayers .
Peggy and Charlie Gahwiler
June 11, 2014
Dear Debbie and Little Russell,
I was so saddened to hear of Russell's passing. Russell's Restaurant is the place I associate with special family times to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, communions...it was a place where we always felt at home and welcomed by such good friends. Russell had a profound impact on my twin brother, Richie's, life. When we were in high school, Richie got hired at Preno's to be a bus boy. That position was short lived, as Russell took to Richie teaching him not only how to be an amazing chef, but also an amazing friend. I know Richie will truly miss Russell as he was his dearest life-long friend. The entire Intoccia Family is fortunate to have had Russell in our lives. We will miss him. Deepest condolences. Lanie Intoccia Daniels and Family
Lanie Intoccia Daniels
June 11, 2014
So sorry,never without a smile.Loved being in his presence & his laugh.
Marian Leahey Ikeler
June 11, 2014
Debbie, Russ and family, God bless Big Russ. You're in my thoughts , my heart and my prayers.
Jim Egan & Family
June 11, 2014
Jim and I are deeply saddened to learn of our dear friend Russell's passing. We cherished his good company, admired his magnanimous heart, and enjoyed his hearty sense of humor and his warm friendship. Our friendship deepened even further during the time we had spent together in Naples since 2003. Russell was a delight to know and to be with; a generous, kind, and good person who will be sorely missed by his loving family and by all of us privileged to knew him well. When he briefly ventured into some catering in Naples, I asked him to cater the Ave Maria University annual Choir party at our Naples home which he did with good grace but also, and as or more importantly , with superb food, efficient service, and that Preno sense of hospitality. 100+ hungry college students from all over the world were introduced to the "Preno touch" and to the Preno sauces and pasta, etc., consuming enough pasta to affect durum semolina wheat futures on the Italian commodity exchange. They were spellbound by Russell's food, fascinated by his "presence" in the kitchen and everywhere else in the house, ultimately bursting into appreciative song serenading their remarkable chef, 100 voices strong. These students continued to rave about him and his food for the remainder of the school year. I consider Russell a gentleman of the old school and we are are all diminished in some way by his departure from us. May God bless Debbie and Russell III, Russell's siblings and all his family. May Our Lady of Consolation comfort each one of them and bring them peace and comfort. Rest in Peace dear Russell.
With love, Rosemary and Jim Bell
Rosemary & Jim Bell
June 11, 2014
Our deepest condolences to Debbie, Russell, Mary Jo and the family for the loss of Russell Sr.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
May he rest in peace.
With love and friendship, Gayle Sensi, Mike Erhard and the Sensi family.
Gayle Sensi
June 11, 2014
Debbie,Russell and Preno family,
We were so sad to here the news about Big Russ. He was such a great guy. I loved sitting on the porch and listening to him talk with Marty about all the people he knew from Avoca. He could talk to anyone and make it the most personal conversation. What a great thing. I would see him in passing going to our car or his and he would say "Hey Mari...what's going on?" Matt was really sad when he heard the news...remembering running from him when he would threaten to give him "nuggies"..ha! I was happy to hear he would be around for the summer, hoping to get a couple of funny stories from him on the porch. We will miss him so much.
Our thoughts are with you guys.
Love Marty, Mari and Matt
Mari Thomas
June 11, 2014
To Debbie and all of the Preno family, I send my deepest sympathy to you. Russell added spice to our lives! My memories of dinners at Russell's (and Preno's before that) remain wonderful ones...
Julie (Goldstone) Marcley
June 11, 2014
I have been a customer of Preno's since I was a kid, when it was across the street from the Hotel Casey. Russell, Sr. and Russell, Jr. made the best veal calabrese ever! My heartfelt condolences to you all. David Bachman, M.D., Washington, D.C.
June 11, 2014
So sorry everyone he was agreat guy!I will realy miss him.
Harry Kirias
June 11, 2014
Debbie & Russell and the entire Preno Family...........What a dinner they must be having in Heaven!! I consider myself fortunate for having the opportunity to know the entire Preno Family!! Russell always had a smile on his face and a handshake whenever I saw him. God Bless you Russell and May you rest in Peace!!1 Until we meet again................
Tom & Mary Jean Osborne
June 11, 2014
Mary Jo So sorry for your loss. What a good man.
J Tomlin
June 11, 2014
RIP extended childhood Best Friend Russ. Courtesy of a NDE 5 years ago, I have visited Our Father's Kingdom, so I know you are joyously engaged in the celebration of One Love that flows like a river of endless life & fellowship for you Now.
Chuck Boyle
June 11, 2014
dear family I am so sad to hear of Russells passing my love and sympathy to all nattie bachman
natalie bachman
June 11, 2014
Since I was a very little girl, Preno's was not only a destination for good food, it was a sanctuary of friendship and family that continued into generations to come. Russell strengthened that link to the past for all of us in such a loving and caring fashion and carried those strong feelings of remembrance for each of us who love our Scranton. For almost 40 years, it is no longer where I reside but it most definitely is HOME and Russell & Debbie and Russell III reinforced that feeling so many times over. Good bye dear friend.
Toni Alperin Goldberg
June 11, 2014
My heart felt condolence to Russ's family. I have many memories. I remember the day him and Jack Garipy rode down Olive Street hill on a bike. Both were banged up pretty bad but tough guys home grown in the Hill Section prevailed. He is in my thoughts and prayers
Brian Cinquegrani
June 11, 2014
Deepest condolences to all the Preno family, especially Debbie & Russ Jr.
Big Russ will be sorely missed by all who knew his warmth, kindness & wit. God bless.
The Costello family
Jay Costello
June 11, 2014
Preno family,
Russ will always be remembered for the joy and fun he provided at the restaurant and in his life. Truly an icon and son of Scranton. Deepest condolences.
Jim Finan
June 11, 2014
Debbie, Little Russ, Mary Jo & Family;
Mario and I are heartbroken over the loss of Big Russ. He was one of the most kindhearted men I have ever met and was always willing to lend a hand whenever needed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during the very difficult coming days, weeks and months ahead.
Love,
Mario, Lisa, Mariana & Olivia
Lisa Leo
June 11, 2014
Dear Debbie, Russell, & Laurie,
My most sincere condolences for your loss. Russell will always be loved by the Lindsay family.
Sincerely,
Gary Lindsay
Gary Lindsay
June 11, 2014
We are sad to hear of your loss and forever grateful to the family for all the wonderful memories that we shared at Russell's. May God bless you always.
Joanne and Stephen Budash
June 11, 2014
Debbie, Russell and the Preno Family,
It is sad to hear of Big Russell's passing, He was "Salt of the Earth". Each of us will remember the personal time he spent with us at the restaurant. He made everyone feel special and welcome. His legacy will live forever!! May God give you the strength during this difficult time.
James Worobey
June 11, 2014
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