Charles J. Russo, Jr.

Charles Joseph Russo Jr. (known as “Charlie” or, to his siblings, “Joe”), 69, of St. Louis, MO, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, after a lengthy illness and hospitalization. He was a fighter until the very end.

Charlie was born on April 20, 1956, to his parents Charles Joseph Russo Sr. and Doris Russo, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1975, and he worked as a Deputy Sheriff for the St. Louis Sheriff’s Department for 33 years before retiring in 2019. He was a lover of classic cars, participating in shows with his prized 1965 Thunderbird and 1987 El Camino, winning several trophies and plaques. He cherished pets throughout his life, being a doting cat dad to Silly Sally at the time of his passing. But, above all, he loved his family more than anything.

He was a devoted husband to his wife of 45 years Jacquelyn [“Jacque”] (nee Collier), who he married on September 5, 1980.

He was a proud father to Erica (Joseph [“Joe”]), Nicholas [“Nick”] (Noel), Matthew (Clare), and Andrew (Elizabeth [“Liz”]).

He was a loving grandfather to Christian, Katrina, Constantine, Kodi, and Bonnie. Another grandson is expected this December, to be named Charles Joseph Russo III [“CJ”] in his honor.

He was a dear brother to Anthony [“Tony”] (Faith [“Dee”]), John (Christine), and Deborah [“Debbie”].

He was also an uncle, great-uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, cousin, and friend to many others.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, and/or the National Kidney Foundation.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 25, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Home, 7027 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63116. Final visitation and a prayer service will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:20 AM at the funeral home, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 5020 Rhodes Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63109, and then interment at Resurrection Cemetery.