Blaise Gordon Russo

Blaise Gordon Russo
October 8, 1934 - March 13, 2022
Blaise fought the good fight, but because of its relentless drive, lost his battle with Alzheimer's. He was born into a loving Italian family; they supported one another during good and hard times. Blaise sought work early to support himself through college until meeting Pearl Laakso, the love of his life. He then began working full time to support their growing family: sons Marc and Darius Russo. Blaise was a proud parent, attending his children's music programs and sports competitions. He was the 1973 President of the Pleasant Hill Baseball Association and also coached basketball with Christ The King's league. As a social man, he met and cherished the friendship of many. Through his work as a Granny Goose salesman, he became adamant and loyal about buying from his favorite store, Lunardi's. Friendships there were more important to him than the cost of groceries.
After attending all Catholic schools, Blaise carried on with his spiritual background as a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church. He loved helping with the church's programs and social events. Music was important to Blaise and his family. He not only collected hundreds of jazz CDs but frequently attended live professional performances, including those performed by his sons. Blaise loved his family with the addition of daughters-in-law, Chris and Inger, and his four grandchildren, Nic (Grace), Abraham, Aaron and Isabella (Brad) Russo. Sadly, he will miss the arrival of his first great grandchild, though likely will be watching over the new birth.
The family thanks Continuum Hospice and Helping Hands (Lovey) and especially Losaline and Eseta who cared for Blaise through his illness; the family felt blessed to have their capable hands. As Blaise would lovingly say at the end of many life's challenging events, "Now we can all go to the seashore."
A Memorial Mass and reception will be held at 12 noon Tuesday, April 19, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1101 Keaveny Ct. Walnut Creek.