Frank S. Russo passed away peacefully on September 7, 2021 at Coastal Carolina Hospital in Bluffton, South Carolina, surrounded by his wife Joan Regan and three children. Frank was born on September 22, 1933, in Greenwich Connecticut to Frank and Marie Russo.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Joan Regan, his three children, Hal Russo (Sharon) of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Glenn Russo (Nancy) Denver, Colorado and Tracy Deets (James) Blythewood, South Carolina. Eight wonderful grandchildren, Ben Russo (Allison), Peter Russo, Ryan Van Splinter (Sara), Lauren Russo, Paul Russo, Emilia Russo, Christina Deets and Matthew Deets. Frank also had two Great-grandchildren, Madeline Russo and Julian Russo. Frank was preceded in death by his two brothers, Joseph Russo, Louis Russo and one sister, Helen (Russo) Pugliese. Frank is survived by his two nieces, Carol (Pugliese) and Al Lalli, MaryAnn (Russo) and Steve Lucier and his nephew, Bobby Pugliese. He is also survived by a Great-nephew, Michael Fincher, (Gladys) and Great-grandniece Sabrina.
Frank enlisted in the US Navy following High School. Frank served as sonar man onboard the USS Wiltsie, during the Korean War. The USS Wiltsie was the most decorated Destroyer in the Korean War. The Destroyer patrolled the Formosa Strait for a time and operated off the North Korean coast before traveling to Wonsan. The Navy continued it operations to support UN ground troops, blocked enemy supply lines by air and by surface gunfire, and blockaded the enemy's coasts.
After Frank was honorably discharged from the Navy, he attended Bridgeport College, in Connecticut, where he was in Varsity Fencing. After college Frank moved to New Jersey with his former wife, Arlene Schantz. Frank was the night manager at a bowling alley in New Jersey owned by Phil Rizutto and Yogi Bera. Frank went on to have a very successful career in office equipment sales. After moving to Bergen County New Jersey, Frank met the love of his life, Joan. They married in 1994 and lived in New Jersey until they eventually moved to Sun City in South Carolina.
Frank was an avid golfer, long suffering Yankees Fan and an avid Card Player. Frank would play Casio and Uno with Grandkids, Poker with friends and Pinochle with his father and brother in law, Sam. Frank enjoyed being beaten by his Dad in Bocce ball – it was very sweet. Frank also coached Little League, was the President of the Jaycees, and was a Board member of a Drug Clinic and inpatient rehab center in Paterson New Jersey.
Frank would love to dance and sing. He always had a joke to tell and certainly was always the life of the party. Many have labeled Frank as “the most loved man in their neighborhood”. Frank will be missed by all.
Frank will be laid to rest at the Russo family plot in Greenwich Connecticut, at a date yet to be determined by his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church.
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