Connie D "Russo" Dudley

Youngstown - Connie Russo Dudley, 73, of Youngstown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Connie was born on January 13, 1953, at Northside Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. She was the only child of Daniel F. Russo and Connie (Sbrocco) Russo and spent her entire life in the Youngstown area, most notably in Boardman, a community she proudly called home.

Although Connie was an only child, she grew up lovingly surrounded by the very large and iconic Sbrocco Family. The Sbrocco story begins with her grandparents, John and Maria, immigrating from Matrice, Campobasso, Italy in 1922 to Youngstown, Ohio for a better way of life. They arrived with their first four children, Frank, Concetta (Connie Sr.), Antoinette, and Joe, with the happy arrival of their youngest child, Jane, born in their new country. Her grandfather, John, served as the family role model, working unbelievably hard to provide for his family in the steel mill, but also setting a standard for entrepreneurship with Sbrocco's Variety Store in Campbell, Ohio and as a real estate investor owning multi-family properties in Youngstown. Connie grew up living with her grandparents and parents, so the role of family matriarch passed from her grandmother Maria, to her mother Connie Sr., and then to Connie herself. Connie was the heart of the growing Sbrocco family with their Italian traditions spanning generations. Her central family role was only further honored when she was crowned The May Queen of their family's Italian church, St. Lucy.

She was a 1970 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and later attended Youngstown State University. Connie devoted many years to her professional life, beginning at Jones Drugs where she served fountain drinks, followed by a long and dedicated career with Gray Drugstores. She worked as a Supervisor in the Youngstown/Warren area for 18 years before the stores transitioned to Rite Aid. Connie later served as Director of Store Operations for Allen's Drugtown, worked as a Merchandising Associate for Crossmark/Ferrero Rocher, and as a Sales Representative for Tartan Insurance Agency in Boardman.

Connie was a member of St. Catherine of Sienna-St. Charles Church and love spending time and spoiling her grandchildren.

On February 14, 1997, Connie married the love of her life, William "Bill" Dudley. Together, they shared a blended family she cherished deeply.

Connie is survived by her husband, Bill Dudley; her sons, Daniel (Fred) Russo of Columbus and John Russo (Rebecca) of Boardman; and her stepdaughter, Jessica Darby (David) of Fairborn. She was a devoted grandmother to Giovanni Russo and Carmine Russo of Boardman, and Hunter Darby and Preston Darby of Fairborn.

She is also survived by an Aunt Jane DeSanto of Indianapolis, her mother-in-law, Marilyn Dudley; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Robert (Linda) Dudley, Chris Dudley, Jack (Margaret) Dudley, and Kellie (David) Rupp; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins from Niles, Boardman, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Florida.

Connie shared lifelong friendships with Joseph and JoAnn Barak, Joseph and Marilyn Putarek, Terry and Luann Knittle, and Drew and Marianne Rinehart, friendships that meant the world to her. Connie loved her monthly outings with her Club Girls.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel F. and Connie (Sbrocco) Russo, and her father-in-law, Donald W. Dudley and many loving and caring Aunts and Uncles.

Connie will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her strong work ethic, and the many relationships she nurtured throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may pay their respects to Connie on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221, Market St., Boardman.

There will be a prayer service held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:20 am at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, Boardman, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7345 Westview Dr., Boardman.

Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. David Hoffman, the nurses of the St. Elizabeth MICU Unit, Youngstown and the Hospice House for all the care and compassion shown to Connie throughout this difficult time.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Connie's family.