Joseph Robert Russo Sr.

Joseph Robert Russo Sr., age 85 passed away on Monday afternoon, March 26, 2012 at his home in Texas City. Joe was born on July 21, 1926 in Galveston, Texas. He was a long time resident of Texas City where he built his home and raised his family. Joe was a veteran of WW II and the Korean War serving in the US Navy. He spent most of his career at the Monsanto Chemical plant in Texas City, in operations and later in the maintenance department. He retired after 34 years of service.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife Sophie, of 51 years, his parents Joseph A. and Mary Russo, his brothers Thomas and Vincent Russo, his sisters Emily Garcia and Ida Crutchfield, his brother in laws Pete Marinelli, Ralph Garcia, Joe Macaluso, Ray Wilder and Casey Stephany, sister in laws Vivian Russo and Jane Stephany, his niece Cindy Bryant, and his beloved daughter in law, Joe Jr.’s wife Donna Russo.

Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph Robert Russo Jr., John Russo and his wife Wendy, Mark Russo and his wife Tami, his daughters Stephanie Hilden and her husband Axle, Donna Svoboda and her husband Jim. His grandchildren Joseph Robert Russo III, Mitchell, Dioni, and Evan Russo, James, Nick, and Aaron Hilden, and Haleigh and Sam Svoboda. His brother John Russo and wife Viva, and sisters Jenny Macaluso, Margret Marinelli, and Philomena Wilder, and numerous nephews and nieces.

The Pallbearers will be Joseph Robert Russo III, Mitchell Steven Russo, Evan Thomas Russo, James King Hilden Jr., Stephen Nicholas Hilden and Aaron Daniel Hilden. Honorary Pallbearers are Dioni Anne Russo, Haleigh Danielle Svoboda and Samuel Steele Svoboda.

All services will be held at Saint Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, 1604 9th Ave N. Texas City. Visitation will be Thursday, March 29, 2012 from 6pm-8pm with a Rosary recited at 7pm. Funeral Services will be Friday, March 30, 2012 at 10am. Interment to follow at Forest Park East.

Our family would like to extend a special thanks to the home care providers Ms. Ellen, Rae and Shameika, along with Dr. Nguyen and his nurse Helen who all made his final days just a little better. Joe will be sadly missed by his family and many others who knew and loved him.