Cristoforo "Cris" Russo

Cristoforo Russo, Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother and friend; passed away on Friday July 8, 2011. Born in 1935 in Carini, Sicily, he immigrated to Brooklyn, New York in 1956 and ultimately Hampton Roads, where he founded the “Anna’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant” family enterprise. In 1974, he moved to Poquoson, Virginia, where he lived until his passing.

A passionate and strong man, Cris was proudly devoted to his family, his work and his new homeland. Working tirelessly to pursue the American Dream and with a 3rd grade education, he strove to share America’s promise with his overseas relatives by bringing them one-by-one to American soil, and helping them to find jobs, homes and stability. For Cris, hard work and family went hand in hand. As a unit with a common goal, he and his family continued to develop the Anna’s enterprise, providing opportunity and instilling diligence and fortitude in his loved ones by employing his children, grandchildren, and extended family. In doing so, he helped sow the seeds of success for his many relatives and friends in the Italian restaurant industry. His influence extends throughout Hampton Roads and as far away as Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia.

Quick to offer a meal and a seat beside him at the table, Cris liked to sit in the Anna’s Dining room to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. He was at his best when dining with his friends, loved ones and customers alike, demanding for 41 years that we treat customers like family. Sometimes that meant staying open after hours for the late tables and local raceway fans. When he wasn’t calling the shots at his restaurant, he could often be found in a tree stand on his hunting grounds, or perhaps in his recliner either watching or debating politics. On Saturdays, he would often be found at the Langley Speedway, enjoying the races and company of his many friends. He was a member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church.

Most of all Cris Russo was a devoted husband and father who built his empire around an ethic of hard work and dedication to family. There is no doubt that he has guided and molded hundreds of lives, if not more, through his generosity and friendship. He truly IS a Hero to his wife, children and all those whose lives he touched.

Preceding him in rest are his parents, Anna and Giuseppe Russo; sisters Nunzia Buzzetta, Rosaria Buffa, Anna Russo Liguria; and loving brothers-in-law, Giovan Battista Buzzetta and Girolamo Buffa.

Surviving members of his family include his wife of 53 years, Josephine Leone Russo; children, Joseph Russo Sr. and wife Cindy, Salvatore Russo and wife Susan of Poquoson, and Anna Maria Buffa and husband Antonio “Joe” of West Point; grandchildren, Fabio Buffa, Luisa Buffa, Michael Buffa, Josephine Russo, Anna Russo, Cristoforo Russo, Joseph Russo Jr., Salvatore Russo Jr., and Christopher Russo; great grandchildren, Grant, Porter, Alabama, Adabella, Ethan, and Giuliana; a sister, Josephine Carollo and her husband Natale of Smithfield.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A service of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 13, at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum chapel of Parklawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 500 E. Plume St., #10, Norfolk, VA 23510 or the American Lung Association, 5349 E. Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, VA 23502.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.