Maria Paula Russo

Maria Paula Russo, a life-long resident of Staten Island, NY was called home to heaven on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Family members watched over her during recent years as dementia gradually ended her life at the age of 73.

Paula, as she is best known to her family, is survived by her brother Louis and sister-in-law Elaine

(Gavaghan); and her cousins, Ann Smith (Ed), Anne Taranto, Maria Andruzzi (Frank), Rita Russo (Don

Halikias) and Anna Gillespie (Pat). She is predeceased by her husband Ronald Russo and her father Vincenzo and mother Maria (Lombardi) and her companion George Rodriguez.

Paula was born in Staten Island NY on June 30, 1946 to Maria and Vincenzo Russo. Born and raised in

New Brighton, she graduated from P.S. 17 and Curtis High School. After high school Paula graduated

from Grace Downs School in 1965 where she satisfactorily completed the Air Career Course and began a

career that spanned over 50 years in the airline and travel industry. Paula started with Eastern Airlines

until the company's bankruptcy. She was an employee owner of Kiwi Airlines. Other companies she

worked for included Rosenbluth Travel, ATA, Continental and United. She retired in 2014 from her

position at United as an International Concierge. Throughout her career, Paula loved the people she

worked with over the years, and always delivered excellent service to the customers she served. She

travelled to many cities in the United States and countries around the world.

In addition to New Brighton, Paula lived in neighborhoods including Great Kills and New Springville and

at Island Shores in Midland Beach. Paula loved to gather with family and friends for holidays, barbecues

or any occasion. She prepared delicious Italian meals and enjoyed sitting around the table sharing

stories about family members, friends, the neighborhood and her travels.

A Private interment with her husband, Ronald, in St. Peter's Cemetery, Staten Island. Donations in Maria Paula's memory can be made to Addeo Hospice Residence, Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health or a charity of your choice.