Gene A. Russo

Gene Russo, of West Palm Beach, FL, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. His honor was preserved with a procession at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center Community Living Center where friends, staff, and fellow veterans participated in a touching final farewell.

A one day viewing and service will be held on Saturday, September 9, between 10:00 and 12:00, and celebrating the interment immediately following, at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 5601 Greenwood Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.

Gene was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 8th, to parents Joseph and Hilda Russo. He wed his love Anne on September 22, 1951, they shared their love for over 70 years. As a couple they enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and close friends.

Gene followed his family trade as a young man as an artisan glacier, working in New York City with his father and brother. After a short second career, he and his son led a family owned neighborhood ice cream store, where many people have been influenced by his hard work ethic and many life lessons.

Gene was a simple man, happy to facilitate and watch the success of his family. Both he and Anne enjoyed life, travel, cruising, and spending time with family and close friends. He always enjoyed playing games, being a bingo caller, and creating many artistic projects for many years.

Proud to be a World War II veteran, Gene spent many years volunteering at the Veteran’s Affairs of West Palm Beach, St. Mary's Children's Hospital, Morse Geriatric Center, along with several community causes.

He served for the US Army as a paratrooper in the Philippines, during WWII, was decorated, and was presented with a Purple Heart for his meritorious service. He rarely spoke of his service, but was a proud American and a proud to have served for his country.

Gene joins his wife Anne, and is survived by Joseph (Kathy, grandchildren Kristin and Kyle Hartung (Rowan, Hazel), Diana and Will Notar, and Michael Acunto), daughter Connie (George Cassata, grandchild Janice and Ed Campos), and son Richard (Laura, grandchild Victoria), and other family, veterans, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving siblings Helen, Robert, and Dolly.

A gathering for Gene will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Royal Palm Funeral Home, 5601 Greenwood Avenue, West Palm Beach, Fl. 33407. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 12:00 PM at the same location. A committal service will follow at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens, 5601 Greenwood Avenue, West Palm Beach, Fl. 33407.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to a charity of your choice or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.royalpalmfuneralhome.com for the Russo family.