A native of Birmingham, he graduated from Ensley High School. He graduated from Auburn University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business. He was a starting player on Coach Shug Jordan’s 1957 National Championship Team and an active member of the Letterman’s Club. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, the Blue Key Honor Society, and a senior senator on the SGA. A member of the National Guard, he served in Europe during the Berlin Crisis. He worked for State Farm Insurance Company for 47 years before retiring in 2006.
A man of great faith, he was involved in many ministries including St. Peter’s Parish Council, Extraordinary Minister of Communion, Kairos Prison Ministry, Cursillo, and Teams of Our Lady.
He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, and Auburn football.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jake and Lena LaRussa. He is survived by his wife of over 44 years, Sonya Cook LaRussa; daughters Leigh Butgereit (Drew) and Laney Gagnon (Gary) and sons Mark Stephens and Scott Stephens (Nomie); grandchildren Ashleigh, Robert, and Mary Butgereit and Megan Snook; Tiffany and Philip Stephens; and Hannah, Jonathan, Jacob, Katie, Allison, and Michael Gagnon; sister Carolyn Milton (Ron) and brother Andy LaRussa (Brenda); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
There will be a vigil prayer service at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 2061 Patton Chapel Rd., Hoover, at 5:30 pm, with visitation to follow from 5:45- 8 pm. The funeral Mass will be Tuesday at 11 am at St. Peters, followed by a graveside service at Elmwood cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Her Choice Crisis Pregnancy Center - 2120 7th Ave. S, Birmingham 35243
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – 3918 Montclair Rd, Ste 201, Birmingham 35213
Autism Society of Alabama – 4217 Dolly Ridge Rd, Birmingham 35243
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