Joseph Salvatore Russo

Joseph S. Russo, 91, Tampa, FL, died Sept. 30, 2016. Devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, Joe was born in Brooklyn, NY on Jan 2, 1925. He served in the US Navy during WWII in the South Pacific. In 1946 he came to The University of Tampa on the GI bill and met his future wife, Lula Belle Stalnaker. They raised three daughters. With a B.A. in Drama and Speech and graduate work in TV Production, Joe helped launch Tampa’s first TV stations WSUN and WTVT in the 1950’s; starred in the cigar industry film “The Flower of Tampa;” made a career as corporate trainer for Southland Corp; coached 3,000+ people in Dale Carnegie; was Master of Ceremonies of the Latin American Fiesta; and served as lector at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church. Retired, he enjoyed substitute teaching and greeting travelers as an ambassador at Tampa International Airport. His last year was spent with new and old friends at John Knox Village. Joe was outgoing, loved meeting people, telling stories, reading, laughing, travelling, music. But he cherished family above all. Joe is preceded in death by his parents Luigi and Felicia Russo and a brother, Anthony, of Brooklyn, NY, and his beloved wife of 55 years, Belle. He is survived by loving daughters Gianna (Jeff Karon), Tina (David Salvador) and Felicia (Kent Foss); grandsons Anthony Scaglione (Diana) and Frank Scaglione (Jennifer Cepero); sisters and brothers Prudence Basciano (James), Philip Russo (Chris), Frank Russo (Felita) and Antoinette Russo; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including former son-in-law and wife, Mark and Susan Scaglione. The family thanks the doctors, nurses and CNA’s who cared for him in his final years. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Metropolitan Ministries. Family visitation Oct. 6, 5-8 pm; Funeral Oct. 7, 10 am, followed by graveside military honors at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.

Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.