Nicholas J. Russo

Nicholas J. Russo Nicholas (Nick) J. Russo died unexpectedly on Friday, October 14, 2011, at the age of 86, after a short illness. Nick was born in Philadelphia as one of 12 children born to Fausto (Frank) and Mary (DePerro) Russo. He grew up on the family farm during depression years and began working the farm fields, by his father's side, at the age of 9. This early introduction to farming helped to foster his later passion for gardening and canning. After serving in the Navy during WWII, in 1946, Nick married the love of his life, Helen (Hughes). Seven years later, Nick and his young, still-growing family moved to Bucks County, where he resided until his death. Although a man of many abilities, Nick's career was determined by his expertise in automobile parts and mechanics. While still young, he became a successful businessman as the owner and operator of Ignition Service. He later operated "Nick's Engines" on Green Ln., Bristol, PA until his retirement. In 1995, Nick's wife, Helen, was stricken with Alzheimers disease and Nick stopped working to become her dedicated caregiver. As Helen's disease progressed, he derived great pleasure and happiness from her smiles or rare lucid moments. Nick touched many lives and had a unique and uncanny ability to develop many long-lasting friendships. These friendships served him well as he was never lacking for company or conversation. His smile, charm, the often devilish glint in his eyes, and teasing play with words endeared him to all who knew him. His pride in and love for his family was evident in everything he did and everything he said with some of his last words voicing his love for all his children. In addition to his selfless love for his family, Nick had a life-long enjoyment of professional wrestling as well as enormous pride in his Koi fish pond. As the patriarch of a large and loving family, Nick was predeceased by his wife, Helen, and son, Frankie. Nick is survived by his four daughters, Eileen Magee and her husband, Joe; Carol Krause and her husband, Tom; Kathleen Acosta and her long-time companion, Steve Burke; Susan Russo Gentilin and her fianc, Rick Clay; three sons, Nicholas Jr., Jack and his wife, Eileen; and David and his fianc, Kelly Arlen; seventeen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren are proud to have called him Pop-Pop. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, two sisters and two brothers and many special friends. Relatives and friends may call on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Friday morning 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Rd., Levittown. Services in celebration of his life will be conducted on Friday at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Rosedale Memorial Park.