Antonio, ‘Tony,’ J. Russo
Antonio, “Tony,” J. Russo, 86, Nashua, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. He is the beloved husband of Pauline (Beland) Russo with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.
Tony was born on March 19, 1936, in Naples, Italy and was the son of the late Vincenzo and Carmela (Russo) Campbell.
He immigrated to the United States on December 26, 1951, with a suitcase of clothes in hand and only knowing Italian and French. He quickly learned the English language, attended school in Nashua and began working. He met his future bride, Pauline Beland, at a dance at the Horse Pond Fish and Game Club. It was love at first sight and they got married on May 11, 1957 at St. Louis Church in Nashua.
Tony worked several jobs to support his family, sometimes 3 or 4 at the same time. He worked at J.F. McElwin Shoe Shop, the International Paperbox Machine Company and then finished his career working at Nashua Corporation for over 30 years as a research and development machinist. He was instrumental in the manufacturing of Nashua Corporation’s first copy machine. Due to his mechanical knowledge, he made several adjustments to improve the prototype and as a result of his contributions, his name is on 3 patents.
Tony felt it was his duty and honor to serve his country and was an extremely proud veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard.
Tony loved going on cruises and traveled all over the world with Pauline, his family and friends. He enjoyed getting together with friends and family and also enjoyed playing cards, poker and cribbage, especially with the Mission Pointe Cribbage folks.
Nothing was more important to Tony than his family and he treasured the time he spent with them. It was tradition for him to cook Sunday dinner for the family and he did so up until the week before he passed away. In Tony’s eyes, no meal was complete without the proper wine. He used to say, “We need our fruit.” Tony loved having people over and having a good time. He was never one to be without a joke, a laugh or words of wisdom. Among the things he said were, “One more or one less person at the dinner table doesn’t matter. All are welcome.”, “If you go home hungry, it is your own fault.” and “Money spent on family was money well spent. You could always count on having a good time and sharing many laughs if you were with Tony.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his in-laws, J. Albert and Rose Beland, and his oldest son, James A. Russo.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Pauline Russo, his son, Ronald R. Russo of Salem, NH, his daughters, Maria R. Russo and Tammy P. McKenna of Nashua, his grandsons, Jim A. Russo, Joseph R. Russo (Erika) and Jeffery J. Russo (Liz) and the apple of his eye, his granddaughter, Avery R. McKenna, all of Nashua, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Lisa Scheib, Dr. Sean Fitzpatrick and the entire staff at Davita Dialysis for their devoted, compassionate care of Tony that allowed him to have 4 extra years of living, laughing and loving with his family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to Antonio’s visitation on FRIDAY, August 19th from 5 until 8 PM at ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. His Funeral Mass will take place on SATURDAY, August 20th at 10 AM in St. Louis Church 48 W. Hollis Street, Nashua. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery, Nashua. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions made be made in his name to Nashua Davita Dialysis, 38 Tyler St., Nashua, NH 03060, Attn: Facility Administrator. To leave an online condolence, story, or message please visit www.ANCTIL-ROCHETTE.com.