Richard Henry Russo

Richard H. (Dick) Russo, 95, a longtime resident of Littleton died peacefully surrounded by many loving family members in Hospice care at Nashoba Valley Medical Center. Dick was born in Watertown, MA on July 30, 1928, a son to the late Joseph and Mary (Meehan) Russo.

Dick graduated from Watertown public schools and 2 years of Machinist Tool and Die Instrument training. He married Claire in 1949 at St. Patrick’s church in Watertown. They moved to Littleton in 1960 where they lived happily raising their two sons.

Dick volunteered to join the army during the Korean Conflict with his brother Ray to serve in the Army Calvary. All the Russo men served proudly following in their father’s service as a Marine Sargent in Italy. Dick served as a Tank Instructor, an Airplane Mechanic, and a Trained Observer.

After starting his family, he worked at MIT Draper Lab / Lincoln Lab in Cambridge MA. Dick was part of a team that worked on Apollo 11 in 1969 that landed on the moon. In 1973 Dick helped build the Inverse Gravimeter that remained on the moon as part of the Apollo Program. He went on to work at Dover Instrument in Westboro, MA, and Moran Machine Shop in Littleton.

Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, raising beagles, metal detecting, and traveling around America. Dick was an avid reader, enjoyed all Western Cowboy movies and puzzle-making. Dick loved his family, always lending a helping hand, and was a wonderful neighbor.

Dick leaves behind his two sons Robin and his wife Barbara of Fitchburg, and Ron and his wife Lynne of Littleton. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren James, Chiara and her husband Nate, and Jaclyn and her husband Tyler as well as three great-grandchildren Dennis, Charlotte, and Patrick. Dick is also survived by his sister Peggy and her husband Lenny, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Richard’s beloved wife Claire of over 70 years predeceased him in 2021. He was also predeceased by his five brothers Dominic, John and his wife Louise, Alfred and his wife Mary, Paul (Bob) and his wife Alice, Ray and his wife Pat, and his sister Mary and her husband Tony Tiberio.

Friends and family are invited to visitation hours from 4:00-7:00 PM on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM in St. Anne’s Church, 75 King Street, Littleton, MA. A burial with U.S. Army Military Honors will follow in Westlawn Cemetery, 7 New Estate Rd., Littleton. MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Richard's memory to:

Conservation Trust and Urban Parks Trust Fund

Department of Conservation and Recreation

251 Causeway Street

Suite 600

Boston, MA 02114

 

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460 978-486-3709 www.badgerfuneral.com