Russell Leonard Cuoco

CUOCO Russell Leonard Cuoco, a civic-minded businessman died on October 17, 2005 in Lewisville, Texas after evacuating from Hurricane Katrina. He was 94 years old. He was a native of Magnolia, Louisiana, but lived in New Orleans since the age of 10. He founded Russell's Cleaners at the age of 19 in 1930, and built it into one of the largest cleaning establishments in the city. In 1945, he expanded into the rug cleaning business, thus starting Russell's Rug and Carpet Cleaners. In 1981, he opened the popular lakefront restaurant, Russell's Marina Grill. He restored The Good Neighbor Hospitality Yacht and operated it as a restaurant docked at the New Basin Canal. His real estate development company, Russell's Enterprises was responsible for much of the development in the Lakefront Area. During World War II, he served as a member of the Coast Guard Reserve from 1941-45. He was active in numerous community and business organizations. He served on the Board of Directors of Security Homestead Association from 1957-87, where he acted as business consultant and pubic relations liaison. He also served as a board member of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans from 1969-82. In 1980, he was named a board member of the Housing Authority of New Orleans. He was a long time member of Mid-City Kiwanis Club where he served as President in 1966, and as Regional President of the Kiwanis Club of America. He both collected and restored antique automobiles and was a founding member of the Horseless Carriage Club of New Orleans. He was active in several Carnival organizations. He was a member of the Krewe of Virgilians, an officer of the Krewe of Mid-City and the Krewe of Carrollton. He reigned as King of the Krewe of Carrollton in 1959, and served as president of the Krewe of Carrollton in 1961-62. He was also King of the Krewe of Theron in the early 1950's. He was a long standing member of the Italian-American Cultural Society of New Orleans and a former member of the Banks Street Social and Carnival Club and the National Institute of Rug Cleaners. He is a third degree Knight of Columbus. He is survived by two daughters, Joy C. Rodick-Huntley and Carole C. Bauer, both of New Orleans; son-in-law, Richard H. Bauer; eight grandchildren: Judeth R. Spansel, Genevieve R. Dornan, Kevin C. Rodick of La Canada, CA, Nanette R. Krumm, Andree C. Bauer, Allison B. Hollard, R. Eric Bauer, Erin B. Nguyen of Sunny Isles Beach, FL and eight great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend James Tarantino at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 5, 2005 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Avenue. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Hope Mausoleum immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Masses or donations to Dominican High School Katrina Fund, 7701 Walmsley Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125 are preferred.