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John Russo Obituary
Liberante John Russo died in Denver, Colorado, on December 3, 2024, following a battle with Lewy body dementia. John was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he lived for most of his life. John was kind, loyal, generous, and intelligent. His laugh was a huge burst of mirth and joy.
As an immigration lawyer, he devoted his life to helping immigrants make their homes here in the United States because he understood that our country is stronger because of their contributions. John was a talented trumpet player and passed on his love of music, history, and politics to his daughters.
John is survived by his daughter Sonia Russo and her husband Don McGinnis, his daughter Shawna Russo, his grandson Charlie Vidmar, and his siblings Nancy (Frank), Carmine (Jackie), Al, and Emmerson and their children. John was preceded in death by his parents Lily and Carmine Russo.
In his honor, his family asks that you donate to the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Russo
5 Entries
Tom Udall
December 15, 2024
To John Russo´s family,
John had the wisdom to know our strength in New Mexico is our diversity. Great work he did for hard working immigrants.
Knew him from law school and his good deeds for New Mexico. Will miss his energy, passion and diligence. With esteem Tom Udall
Jackie Russo
December 14, 2024
This obituary really captures the essence of John. I will miss John a lot. Thank you for posting his obituary. He was my first boss and got me interested in law. I appreciate his giving me a chance to get my first job. And I will remember him always for helping his family and many clients.
David Russo
December 11, 2024
My dear Uncle John, I will miss you. We don't always get the things in life we want for ourselves or the people we love. You had huge impact in my life offering help and advice in ways no other would. He set an example that many people never understood. He wanted people to achieve all they could, including prosperity. He had a unique view of the world and sometimes paid the price for his good nature. His love and efforts didn't fall on def ears by everyone. Some of us had to take longer roads to find our place in the world. I will miss our debates and conversations. You never know what life has in store for you. Thank you for helping me survive my teenage life. I'm rich with life and love because of the second chance you made possible. Rest in peace Uncle, you are missed.
Al Russo
December 11, 2024
My oldest brother John was a go getter from young, as his youngest brother I watched him achieve many things of course getting in his way when he was trying to study. I remember him getting his badges for Eagle Scout, and yes very politically involved in his home town of Albuquerque and running for Legislator in our district. John then focused on his law degree, and so much of his interest and influence in music was passed down from him to us all. Of course listening to Jimi Hendrix & Led Zepplin at 9 years old turned out to be a good thing for us all. Seeing The Rolling Stones with Stevie Wonder opening at The Pitt for 5.50! That was in part due to John, and my Mom getting me the ticket to go with them! To say he liked History, no he was a History buff, who was very Happy when the History Channel started on cable TV. In his last ten years I saw and heard from him rarely, he did come out and stay with me one night when he tried a case he had in Los Angeles and won. Besides that I would get a call once in awhile and would always talk NFL Football he was a Kansas City Chiefs Fan and liked when Mahomes would beat my Vikings I would usually get a call then! LoL Rest in Peace John
Allyson (Twilley) Pierce
December 11, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Russo family. My mother (Mary Twilley) and I (Allyson) used to work with Lily at Simon's. She made the BEST meatballs ever. I only met John a few times, but he was always very sweet and kind. My sympathies to the whole family.
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