George M. Russo
George Martin Russo, 90, of Hollis, died peacefully on March 16, 2018, surrounded by family.
Born May 23, 1927, in Greenfield, MA, George was the 9th of 10 children of the late Mary Julia (Filosa) Russo (formerly of Trivio, Italy). His gregarious personality earned him many lifelong friends. He was an outstanding athlete, playing football, hockey, and baseball during high school, and was a life-long fan of the New York Yankees. During World War II, he left high school to serve in the U.S. Merchant Marines and the U.S. Navy. He traveled the world with the Navy, also serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and retired as a Senior Chief. George was a proud patriot, a devoted family man, loyal friend, and a tireless servant of God. He was employed by Raytheon in Portsmouth, RI, before moving his family to Nashua, NH, in 1973. He worked for Goodway Printers (Burlington, MA), as a successful Realtor for Porter & Mills Real Estate in Hudson, and as a Mortgage Loan Officer for First Federal Bank in Nashua and Peterborough.
George’s family was his greatest joy. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of nearly 62 years, Patricia A. (Donovan) Russo, and by their children and families: Marty Russo (Kathleen) of Franklin, NH; Tami Littleton of Nashua, NH; Mark (Sharon) of Mesa, AZ; David (Rosemary) of Nashua; Lisa (Neal) Stacy of Dover, NH, and Susan (Ken) Baracchini of Pocasset, MA. He was immensely proud of his 16 grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them whenever he could. They are: Marie and Brian Russo; Patrick (Samantha), Steven, and Mari Littleton; Landon, Logan, and Lucas Russo; Maggie, Thomas, and Madison Russo; Malina and Nick Stacy; and, EJ, Daniel and Jordan Baracchini.
Through many challenges, George managed to find the joy in each day. A natural leader, he was an active member of every community he lived in, from Italy to NH. Some of his involvements included: organizing assistance to refugee camps overseas, the Knights of Columbus, coaching youth sports, Bishop Guertin Men’s Club, USMA recruiting, and the Corpus Christi Food Pantry. George loved music and dancing, playing cards and sports, working with kids, traveling and the beauty of nature. He was always able to lend a helping hand or an encouraging word, and was pleased to open his home to anyone in need of rest or refuge. In retirement, George could be found on local golf courses, taking money from geezers 15 years his junior. He was a humble and devout Catholic and, most recently, was a communicant of St. Joseph the Worker in Nashua.
For their exemplary care, his family wishes to thank Sally Leonard and Leona Clough of All Generations Homecare, The Arbors of Bedford, and Brookhaven Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s the Worker on West Hollis Street, Nashua at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018. He will be interred at the New Hampshire Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen in a family service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children or to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.