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Joseph Russo Obituary
Born to Philip and Grace (Vitale) Russo. Joe grew up in Milwaukee, served in Vietnam and retired after 44 years at Briggs and Stratton. All the while, gathering friends with his ability to celebrate the simple things in life.
Preceded in death by parents, Philip and Grace (Vitale) Russo siblings, John (Jane), Peter, and Ronald Szeblewski; grandson Joshua Joseph Russo.
He is survived by wife Mary (Bryarly), children Jacob and Janel, grandchildren Cory Ann Grace Russo and Benjamin Ludwig. Siblings Connie, Carlo (Bonnie), William (Gale), Rosemary and Frank (Susan). Further survived by many extended family members, friends and neighbors who all became family.
Visitation (9:30am) and Service (10:30am) to take place Saturday February 10, 2024 at Mother of Perpetual Help 2322 S 106th St. West Allis, WI.
Celebration to take place Saturday February 10, 2024 at New Berlin Ale House North Hall at 2:00 pm, 16000 W Cleveland Ave New Berlin, WI 53151. West Allis -
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
James John Konkel
February 16, 2025
I would see him at the coffee machine
sometimes. We would talk. Sometimes
I would buy sometimes he would buy.
Just another quiet American Hero.
David B Simmons
March 29, 2024
Was with Joe in Vietnam 70-71. Though we lost contact for many years, he was not forgotten. This deeply sadens me, as so many of us are departing this earth. My thoughts and prayers are with the Russo family. The world has lost a great friend and brother
Ted Henry
March 29, 2024
I just heard the news that we all have lost this wonderful human being today, March 29th. There are so many stories I could tell all of you about this man that I´ve always considered my brother in arms. We served together in E troop 17 th Cavalary 173 Airborne brigade in Viet Nam in 1970-71. From reading the above comments from so many that loved Joe I realize you all experienced and understand the great loss that has occurred. I believe all of our worlds have been made smaller due to this loss. Let me just say even under the most stressful circumstances of combat and the insanity of war Joe was always the shining light that assured myself and many others in our platoon that through all of the madness there was goodness and joy to look forward too if our futures. In Joes presence, we all felt this. Most of you probably don´t know that Joe had a nickname in Viet Nam. When ever I would call him by this nickname he would just break out with this great belly laugh.That nickname was RUSSNOUFT STRAVINSKI! Not really Sure why that name came out of my mouth but Joe´s reaction to it ALWAYS made us laugh. We were Brothers as close as brothers could ever be. Joe, to you my Brother, until we meet again in the heavens I shall always cherish the time we had together and be thankful that in my life I was gifted the joy of your friendship and goodness. I shall now think of you as a bright shooting star that has passed through our lives and left a shimmering trail of wonderful memories for all of those that loved you to always cherish. Until we meet again my friend, Peace out. Ted Henry in California.
Tommy Hines
February 13, 2024
I will Never Forget when we Traded Bikes,(Even Though it was for a Few Minutes). He Had the Maroon Harley, 81 I think... I had a 93 Yamaha 750 Crotch Rocket. I,Of Course, Luved the Harley! Just Crusin on it... Joe Comes Back, Wild Hair and a Look on his Face!!!, Very Einstein Lookin!!! He Handed me the Bike, Didnt even Put the Kickstand down and Says, "You Ride That Thing"? "I Give You Credit Kid" "Dont Park it in my Drive way"!
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Tommy
February 13, 2024
The Stash
James Hanlon
February 8, 2024
Joe's jokes, stories, some tall tales & his mustache filled smile always brought you to him. Listening to Joe's hands & his voice talking about "uuuusss guys" he always made me laugh.
One story, includes our neighborhood group, was the 4th of July escapade. Fireworks, firecracker, bottle rockets, a few beers with Joe & his fun loving spirit in the lead. With police patrolling the area Joe of course shot off the final bottle rocket. Last thing I saw W.A police, bottle rocket on their hood, Joe & his epic smile explaining. We laughed our heads off!
God bless you Joe. We will miss you greatly.
Judy Hanrahan
January 28, 2024
i have so many wonderful memories of Joe but 2 stand out the most! We watched poltergeist with Joe and Mary and the next day Joe kept moving their kitchen chairs on and off the kitchen table!!! Also Joe used to park his motorcycle in our garage and his rent was giving me a ride when i askedHe always made me smile!
Judy
January 28, 2024
Joe was the best neighbor ever! He was always there whenever we needed anything!! Going to miss you like crazy
Tracy Buelow
January 10, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What a fun guy, always making people laugh. He was a character.
Randy Roeder
January 10, 2024
Joe help me quite a bit at Briggs & Stratton when it came to parts that was some fun times back in the seventies and eighties then I caught up with him again at the Briggs luncheon 2 years ago will miss you Joe.
David k Buelow
January 10, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Janel Russo
January 9, 2024
Janel Russo
January 9, 2024
Janel Russo
January 9, 2024
Janel Russo
January 9, 2024
If anyone appreciated what was in front of him, it was Joe.
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