Philip J. Russo

1930 - 2026

Philip Joseph Russo entered eternal life, surrounded by his loving family, on March 13, 2026.  He was a devoted spouse, of 70 years, to the love of his life, Louise DeCarlo Russo. He was 95 years old. Philip was born March 24,1930, in Middletown, CT. He was the son of the late Maria (Gallitto) and Rosario Russo. 

He proudly served his Country in the US Army Co. K 169th Infantry during the Korean Conflict. He was SGT First Class of his platoon in the Korean Conflict, where he served overseas in Germany. He was a member of the Italian Society of Middletown. He served on the Commodore MacDonough School Municipal Building Exploration Committee. He was a devote Catholic and belonged to St. Sebastian(Middletown) and St Agnes(Niantic) Parishes.

Philip attended Vinal Technical School. He was employed as a Union Carpenter until he started his own business as a building contractor, R & R Builders in 1959. He built and remodeled hundreds of homes in his 62 year career. He banged every nail in each home he built with ease, he was a true craftsman and a talent like no other. He had the pleasure of mentoring his craft to his son, Philip, with whom he worked with side by side for the past 42 years. He retired at the age of 91. 

He grew up and lived in Middletown, CT and spent summers, since 1967, at his Beach Home, Crescent Beach in Niantic, CT. He loved spending time in Niantic with his family. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren: fishing, crabbing, taking them to McCook’s Park, the Annual Niantic Fireworks and Town Summer Festival and especially going to Frosty Treat for his very favorite, ice cream. He was a dedicated fan to the New York Yankees and the UConn Men and Women’s Basketball teams. 

Besides his spouse, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Karen (Christopher) Bongo and Philip (Kathleen) Russo. His cherished grandchildren, Kelsey (Dan) Constantino, Christopher (Melyssa) Bongo, Katie (Ryan) Farrell and Jonathan Bongo. As well as two great grandchildren, Benjamin and Eleanora Constantino. He had two brothers, Sebastian and Alfred and is survived by his sister, Ana Marie, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Covenant Living Community of Cromwell for the care he received over the past 3 years.

Funeral services will be held on Friday (Mar. 20th) at 9:15 a.m. from Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown, followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Liturgy at St. Sebastian Church, Middletown. Burial with, military honors, will be in St. Sebastian Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip’s memory may be made to St. Sebastian’s Renovation Fund or Middlesex Health Philanthropy Department. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.