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BORN
1954
DIED
2017
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Mark Russo Obituary
June 25, 1954 - January 16, 2017
Monterey, Calif.
Mark Anthony Russo, a charismatic lifelong resident of Monterey County, was born on June 25, 1954 in Carmel. He attended local schools and graduated from Monterey High School in 1972 where he was an exceptional football player and named one of Toreador Football's "Big Six" for playing varsity for three consecutive years. Mark had an early calling to the sea following in his father and grandfather's footsteps. At a young age he built his first boat on the shores of Lake El Estero then worked at the family business, Russo's Fish Market in Salinas. In his early twenty's Mark opened the restaurant Nino's Seafood Palace, named after his father, across the street from the family fish market. Soon Mark's love of the ocean drew him back, and he proceeded to spend the rest of his life as a commercial fisherman on his boats the Cuckoo, Reliance, Mandy, and Freeland. Mark will be remembered for the robust way he lived his life and for the love and respect he had for the ocean. He is survived by his loving daughter Vanessa Radley and son-in-law Christopher Radley of Monterey, grandsons Sebastian and Theodore, Mother Evelyn Russo of Monterey, sisters Nina Russo of Carmel Valley and Naida Groves of Suison City, and his protege Brandon Smith, whom he loved like a son.
Visitation at Mission Mortuary to be held on January 26, from 4 to 8pm. A Funeral Mass to be held at San Carlos Cathedral on Friday January 27, at 9:30am. Flowers may be sent to Mission Mortuary. To offer online condolences visit - www.missionmortuary.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Russo
Sponsored by Monterey Herald.
Neil Dorin
September 16, 2020
I was on the Reliance when we were rammed by the Dao Andes. Mark was the toughest, strongest and most knowledgeable captain any deckhand could ask to have. He had so much Love & understanding in him, naturally.
Much respect and Love.
So young, a tragedy!
We caught over 6,000 lbs of top rate salmon in 1.5 days and we're on schedule to break records, until rammed by the 680 foot freighter. Mark was airlifted via USCG chopper and taken to Stanford to recover well.
Such a strong and happy guy, was completely taken by surprise when I read the news.
My condolences to his surviving family members and my thanks for the times we shared. My life has been a better life having had my good friend and captain Mark in it.
God bless his soul and may he live on in every life he touched, I will always miss him.
Neil Dorin
Kelly Pashade
June 25, 2020
Missing Mark. today....his birthday..
..a day he, we would spend with family and friends....Kelly
April 26, 2019
I miss Mark so much and think about him often...I miss his face and laugh and comfort and adventure . He definitely can not be replaced from my life, and still bothered by the way he was whisked away from me from all of us......Miss my Marko
Donald Schwartz
January 3, 2018
Mark, May God Bless you always. And thank you so much for what you did for my family. I know you appreciated what I did for you. I will miss your exuberance for life and your love of the sea. I appreciate all the stories of the Italian fishermen of Monterey Bay, California and will miss them dearly. You will live on in the History Channel's documentary of deep ocean rescues. Thanks for telling me I gave you the best legal advice you had ever received. Carry on Captain Russo and we will meet again.
Hookjaw
November 18, 2017
I'm first met mark as I was buying salmon in Santa Cruz... and as fate would have he took me under his so compassionate wing in crescent city on the freeland...he told me i was the best tender he ever had...I learned so much from mark...the funniest thing was when he said I've forgotten more about boats than Ted will ever know... god bless you mark and long float the reliance... hookjaw.
Cory Birnberg
November 10, 2017
Mark, I just looked up your name, and saw this, and I am sorry to see you passing and may you rest in peace
Cory Birnberg
jeff burden
January 28, 2017
Will miss my fellow varsity football team mate and friend. May God richly bless you.
Kelly Pashade
January 26, 2017
It is with such great sadness for us all... the loss of Mark in our lives...I love Mark dearly...and have so many memories of the 10 years he and I shared together...enjoying the visits from friends and family, the BBQs, birthdays, all the events that brought us together. Mark loved ,gardening, cooking, food, music and dancing, He loved to play piano, his version of 'She Talks to Angels' (Beatles) was excellent..Mark and I enjoyed camping hiking and travels,we explored mountains, rivers and a little bit of the Sea of Cortez... I am so sad that all must come to an end..I will truly miss him and his strong warm embrace...XO Kelly
Karen Rodriguez
January 25, 2017
All great memories of you Mark - a big brother to me when we were growing up - loved my mom's cream tuna on toast! - Thank you for showing up unexpectedly during my lifetime with fresh fish/crab and our visits. You will be truly missed - much love to all of your family - Love Karen Vallaire Rodriguez
Sal Belleci
January 23, 2017
To a Life Long Friend He will be Missed God Bless You Buddy
Mark with his crew onboard the Freeland
Vanessa Radley
January 23, 2017
Mark's boat, the Freeland
Vanessa Radley
January 23, 2017
Mark with his Cousins
Vanessa Radley
January 23, 2017
Mark with his grandson, Sebastian
Vanessa Radley
January 23, 2017
The Freeland getting hauled out
Vanessa Radley
January 23, 2017
Donald Jacobs
January 23, 2017
I've known Mark most of my Adult life.. We fished all up and down the west coast together for many years.. We shared alot of Adventures and Laughs.. He will be sorely Missed!! He's with the Lord now and someday we Will see him again!!
Lisa Walters
January 22, 2017
It is always difficult when a classmate leaves us. Mark was always full of life and friendly to all. He will be missed and never forgotten. My prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. MHS Class of '72
January 22, 2017
Our deepest sorrow about the passing of Mark. He was a friend, best man at our wedding, and Godfather for our daughter, Elizabeth. My fondest childhood memories are of growing up next door to Mark and the adventures we shared together. He will not be forgotten. Please accept our condolences and prayers.
Joe and Karen Vallaire
January 22, 2017
Karen and I were deeply sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was my friend, best man, and Godfather to our youngest daughter, Elizabeth. My greatest memories of my childhood were the fun times Mark and I had in the nut tree, playhouse, barn, and fishing. He will never be forgotten. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Joe and Karen Vallaire
Judy Parsons Gaughf
January 22, 2017
My heart goes out to the Russo family. I met Mark at Junipero Memorial High School and we continued as classmates at MHS. He was big, he was funny, and he was very kind. He made us proud on the gridiron, yet he was humble. He will be missed.
Mission Mortuary, Inc.
January 22, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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