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BORN
1965
DIED
2020
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Tony LaRussa Obituary
June 11, 1965 ~ November 21, 2019
A life-long Magnolian, Tony was well known for his generous heart, big personality and talent for commercial and sport fishing. Everyone he came to know was unconditionally loved. That was his true gift. At a young age, he spent hours fishing from the dock at Indianola. He learned to fish local waters of Washington with much success and delight with friends and family.
His love for fishing led him to a career in commercial fishing - as a crewmember on many vessels; then, as Captain on the 165ft. Crabber/Trawler F/V Fierce Allegiance in the waters of the Bering Sea. He also owned and operated the F/V Shermanator harvesting sockeye salmon during the summer months in Bristol Bay, Alaska. His success as a fisherman was also well known. Early in his career, he had the opportunity to purse seine with a Native Tlingit Captain from Sitka, Alaska. Through that mentorship, he learned to respect native cultural strengths and passions for harvesting fish and to protect and sustain natural Alaskan wild salmon and herring stocks.
He passed away suddenly and will be missed by many. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Gloria LaRussa; siblings, John Joseph and Mary Kaye LaRussa. He is survived by 8 brothers and sisters who loved him. His numerous nieces and nephews have many fond memories of their wild and wonderful "Uncle Tony."
A celebration of life will be held on January 19, at Pilgrim Hall,
1:00-4:00 PM, 3555 West McGraw
Please bring stories and an appetizer or dessert to share. A Fishermen's Memorial will also take place on March 22, at Ballard Elks, 1:00-4:00 PM.
Charitable donations may be made to the United Tribes of Bristol Bay in honor of Tony's quest to protect natural fish runs and habitat in waters he loved and revered.
Website: www.UTBB.org.
Guestbook @ harveyfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tony LaRussa
Sponsored by The Family.
Justin Zoladz
April 16, 2025
RIP Tony. While I was only an observer on the Fierce Allegiance for just under two months back in 2002, I will always remember you. We had some great games of cards and I hope I was still the only observer who left not owing you money. You passed just a few days after my father did. May your family cherish the memories. Fair winds and following seas.
Rose Marie Adkins - I worked on the Fierce Allegiance for several winters;
January 6, 2025
I wrote much down below. I apologize for missing this portion.
Theresa Bindley
May 20, 2021
I was in the same class with Tony at Blanchet. He was always so kind to me and all who crossed his path.
We were reacquainted again when I was in Dutch Harbor years later. I lived there for many years and ran into Tony quite often. He was such a wonderful guy and always had my back. He had to “school me” once when we were at Carl’s and I was being obnoxious. I didn’t realize what I was saying was going to cause a fight between crabbers and long- liners. Thankfully he gave me a good education.
I was very saddened and shocked to hear that he had passed away. Such a huge loss to so many. May he Rest In Peace. My condolences to all of his family and friends. I am blessed to have known Tony.
Susan and David Plum
January 22, 2020
Our sincerest condolences to the LaRussa family from David and Susan Plum
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
January 16, 2020
Dear Monica, Theresa and Members of the LaRussa Family and Friends,
We Sisters of the Holy Names send you our sympathy as we offer prayers for all of you who will miss Tony so much. May his eternal happiness in God's Presence overflow with peace and love into all our homes. May you know he is near you often in the time ahead.
Beverly Babarovich
January 13, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to Tony's friends and family. I will never forget the kindness, generosity and brotherhood he showed my late son Dave. He will be missed by so many. I'll be praying for his eternal peace.
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