Hi my name is Thomas Cipriano and I met coach Russo in 1979 as part of a tryout for the Saint John’s baseball team    Not only did he encourage me to keep trying he suggested I go play at St Francis college due to the fact that there was no more room for walk on. I was deeply touched that he went the extra mile for me because he knew how much playing meant to me . I’ll always remember the calm demeanor he had and I’m sure that was one of the key Factors in his success   I’ll always remember that and I’ll always pray for this remarkable man   May he rest and peace and God Bless him  forever.    Sincerely Tom Cipriano 

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Joe. I heard this from talking to Jack Kaiser today. 
Joe was a great competitor and team mate. We were on the SJU teams of the 60s and I considered him a marvel. It wasn't much fun playing against him in high school (he was on Molloy's team; I was on St. John's Prep's team) but a privilege to join him at SJU. He was a remarkable fielder and hitter. He could do everything and did it all with such apparent ease that it disguised his tireless hard work and dedication. His leadership was of the best kind: by example. It was no surprise to me that he became an outstanding coach. 
His legacy is secure.

Cecelia and family,
I am truly sorry to hear of Joe's passing.  You have my most sincere condolences.  I remember all the happy days in our past.
Love to you all.
Mary Feehan

I played baseball for Coach Russo at ctk high school. He was a recent St. John graduate and not much older than his players! I liked him immediately. He clearly knew baseball. While that was important, it was equally clear that he understood young players and students. He was a role model for all of us. A sincere, trust worthy person first and baseball coach second. He had tremendous confidence in me and knew how to treat me. I think he probably believed that it was fair to treat people differently, simply because we are not all the same.  Whether I dropped a fly ball or struck out three times in a game, I was in the same spot for the next game. It was that quiet reassurance of his that helped me get on track again.  He inspired me. I later became a teacher and baseball coach at the middle school level. I continued to use the same signals he used with us from the coaching box.  I am  deeply saddened to hear he is gone.   But it is somewhat comforting to know that his many contributions , and  particularly baseball,  will be cemented in a legacy that will last forever.  My condolences to his family, his St. John’s family, ctk family and to all of his former players and students. Phil Cicero

In 1966, I entered Christ the King High School in Middle Village Queens.  Joe Russo was one of the few lay teachers at the time. We had Marist brothers.  Mr. Russo as we called him,  was soft spoken and friendly as a teacher, but we never took advantage of his kind demeanor.  He had a great smile and was always encouraging us in whatever we did.  He was a baseball hero and would tell us some of his stories.   
I am most saddened to hear of his passing not even knowing he was sick. My memory of him was always as a healthy, robust man with a wonderful talent.   He will not be forgotten and our CK community has lost a great one.  We thank God we had the opportunity to know him.

While  I am  aware  that Joe had his greatest impact on baseball and young men's lives as a big time coach, I was living in various parts of the country during those years and so was only generally cognizant  of his coaching prowess....

Rather my remembrances were on the field  at St. John’s  University and especially  one  afternoon  in Omaha, Nebraska  in  1966...

I was a rather unheralded sophomore  pitcher while  Joe and Matty Galante  were the unmistaken leaders of the team...  Joe was always a positive force in my baseball life, encouraging me in the clubhouse and on the mound ....  The fact that he was one of the best shortstops I ever saw was certainly a boon to my confidence...

But the time I remember most  was  at the College World Series...  It was the day after we had  lost to Ohio  State  the night before in a heartbreaker...   I was starting the next day against Oklahoma State and Joe made it a point  to  tell me to go out there , relax  and just pitch as I knew how....  Even  so  in the first inning  I got myself  into  a mess and potential  disaster...  And once again  Joe was there..  He smiled and said simply  throw it over the plate and they won’t  hit it...  His confidence  helped settle  me  down  and  focus...  In the end we  were eliminated from the tournament when Oklahoma State  rallied late in the game...  But what has stayed with me all this time was how Joe even as a young man exhibited what made him a great coach and leader for decades  after that night in Omaha in 1966....  When most would be concerned about themselves  and  impressing scouts etc. ,  Joe took it upon himself to encourage  a young pitcher to steady his nerves  and give it his best shot...  

Leadership  and Joe Russo  have always been  synonymous to me... 

Cecelia, we are so sorry to hear about Joe; we were shocked because we didn't know he was ill. It's been years since we've seen you but I just wanted to say that Joe and I played a lot of baseball together and he was a friend and a great teammate at Molloy and St. Johns and will always be remembered. We wish you and your family our deepest sympathy, Leeann and Al

OBITUARY

Joseph James Russo

5 July, 1944 – 26 May, 2019

Frederick Funeral Home

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