Name: Visitation for Dennis A. Russo D.D.S.
Start: 2019-11-30T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-11-30T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

Dennis A. Russo, D.D.S., 75, passed away peacefully at his Metairie home on November 21, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard C. Russo and Dorothy Rahmel and sister-in-law, Jody Russo. He is survived by a multitude of family and friends. He and his siblings, Courtney (Perscilla) and Wynn (Toni) always maintained a healthy rivalry: he an LSU "Tiga" and they Tulane "Greenies." He was married to his "Darlin" wife, Carolyn T. Russo, for over fifty years. He adored his sons Dennis (Rusty) Russo and Ryan Russo (Mary). However, his favorite grandson, Kennon R. Russo, hung the moon! He is loved and adored by his nieces and nephews, Christina (George), Kelly (Greg), Emilie (Mark), Becky (Lynn), Chris (Jeanne), Jeff (Jane) and Andrew (Kristin). Their favorite holiday tradition was to place a solitary pea on his chair, knowing he hated peas! Dennis served faithfully as a Lieutenant in the United States Army in the Vietnam Era. He later began his dentistry practice. He practiced for over forty years and prided himself on providing "painless" dentistry. He was the team dentist for the LSU baseball team for ten years, which enabled him to combine two things he cherished, LSU and being a dentist. It was then that he was nicknamed "Big D" by Skip Bertman. "Big D" loved sports and eventually became the team dentist for the New Orleans Brass, as well as the Pelicans. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Shell Beach Literary Society Dawnbusters Kiwanis Club and Christ the King Lutheran Church. He never met a stranger and enjoyed reigning as "Swine Master" of the Tartan Drive Pig Group. He truly lived a FAANTAASTIC life. He always saw the glass half full, but through his lenses, the glass was a bejeweled chalice full of pinot grigio. If only we could all view our lives through his perspective. He will be sorely missed by all. Relative and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, November 30th at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Nov. 24 to Nov. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Russo

Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.

10 Entries

Mickey White

November 18, 2023

When I think of Dennis's passing, I am certainly saddened as I miss our constant conversations. I say this "facetiously". Dennis was always full of himself. He would make some ridiculous statement about something he had done and when you called him on it, he would always have this belly chuckle, basically admitting he had been caught! We shared many laughs and supported on another while attending dental school and I wish he was still us so we could share them once again. Love You Dennis my man!

Kathy Pizzolato

December 4, 2019

Carolyn, Sorry to hear of Dennis' death. Hard to believe I worked for him 43 years ago, then stayed in the same office working for Mike MacKenzie for a few years. Dennis was a character but he had a heart of gold. I know he will be dearly missed by you, his sons and brothers, as well as everyone else his life touched. I pray you are doing well and have great support during this time. Take care

Lynn Hartwell Brown

November 30, 2019

Dear Carolyn,

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear that you had lost Dennis. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.

Love to you all,

Lynn Hartwell Brown

Woody Morrison

November 30, 2019

Dennis was a reflection of the Russo family...very friendly...very capable...and a sense of humor to be envied. There are certain people you meet where you immediately know they are of fine character. Dennis was certainly one of those men... as are his brothers. He is with God now and more fortunate than us, but we are grateful Dennis was on loan to us for as long as he was...surely he has been excitedly welcomed in Heaven to be with his Savior.
Wynn, you and you family are in our prayers. I know how close you two have always been...Hang tough Brother.

Mickey White

November 29, 2019

You know Dennis and I hardly knew one another's first names. If Dennis happened to be calling me, his first response was always "Hey White". There was never any need for clarification as to who was on the line! It was always "White and Russo". Dennis loved to "embellish" anything that he was doing whether it be dentistry, fishing, hunting, golf, etc. I would often call him out on the "real story", the truth of the matter, and he would always respond with this infectious laugh. It was as if he knew he had been caught in some small untruth but he was enjoying every minute of it. Dennis and I happened to be two of the older members of our class because we served in the armed forces prior to entering dental school. Also, my wife and Carolyn worked together as nurses in the same medical complex. We have shared so many wonderful memories together that this small entry seems so very inadequate. I deeply grieve his death but will never forget the wonderful friendship we shared through the years. My deepest sympathies to Carolyn, Rusty, and Ryan.

Edwin White

Sent Flowers

Jon Aronson

November 27, 2019

I was terribly saddened to have learned of Dennis' death today. I shall always remember his wide infectious smile and hand breaking handshake and the pleasure he got as he enjoyed his favorite outdoor activity...fishing! My heartfelt condolences to Carolyn and his family and hope that as long as his memory is cherished that he will still be at your side and an inspiration on how to live a well enjoyed life!

Sandy Rhein

November 26, 2019

Dennis and I went through school together from kindergarten at A.H. Wilson School, to McMain, to Fortier. We always had the same homeroom. We were good friends. I always watched him play basketball. He was a great player! Image my surprise when I moved back from New York to find that Dennis and Carolyn lived just down the block from me. We had great times at the neighborhood Pig Roast where Dennis reigned as a Swine Master. We always talked about a Wilson reunion. Alas, it never happened. Dennis was loved by all and will be greatly missed.