Jane Russo

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Jane Russo, 88, a generous community volunteer, devoted mother of three and wife of longtime Staten Island trial attorney Thomas J. Russo, died Wednesday at home in Oldwick, N.J.

Born Jane Griffith in Manhattan on July 20, 1934, Mrs. Russo graduated from St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy in Queens.

She worked as a consultant at her uncle’s upscale jewelry business, Trabert & Hoeffer, formerly located on Park Avenue, which counted many celebrities among its clientele.

She later met her future husband in the office of Staten Island Surrogate Judge Frank D. Paulo, where she worked as a secretary and he worked as a clerk.

The couple was married on Sept. 12, 1959, in Christ United Methodist Church, Graniteville, followed by a reception at the former Tavern on the Green, New Dorp, and a honeymoon to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

They first lived in an apartment on Forest Avenue that also served as Mr. Russo’s law office, and later spent several decades as Todt Hill residents. They relocated to Bedminster, N.J., in 1985, then to Oldwick 21 years ago.

Mrs. Russo supported her husband’s many philanthropic activities. While he served on the board of trustees at Staten Island University Hospital, she volunteered in the hospital gift shop and organized many fund-raising events for the YMCA. She also served on the planning committee and hosted pre-event gatherings for the Geranium Ball, benefitting Staten Island Academy where her three children attended.

Elegant and stylish, Mrs. Russo took pride in cultivating her husband’s image as a successful litigator by overseeing his wardrobe.

“My mother had impeccable taste,” said her son, T.J. Russo. “Dad never wore a suit a day in his life that my mom didn’t pick out.”

Her daughter, Kimberly Jane Russo, added: “She had that touch, that knack, that made a difference. It was as effortless for Mom to host a formal affair as it was for her to entertain a large family gathering around the kitchen table.”

“Jane was the rock of the family,” said Angelo Aponte, former city Consumer Affairs commissioner and longtime friend of the Russos. “She kept things rolling, and always had a smile on her face.”

“I was heartbroken to learn of Jane’s passing,” said Alfred C. Cerullo III, president and CEO of the Grand Central Partnership. “I spoke to her and Tom only a few weeks ago as Tom and Jane were two special friends who were so good at staying in touch. I enjoyed all our talks about every possible issue -- and she was always so warm and loving to me.

“I know how hard this is going to be for all of them and just hope that Jane’s amazing strength is something all the Russos can hold onto and be inspired by to help them manage through this terribly sad time. I am keeping them all -- especially Tom -- in my heart and thoughts and prayers.”

SURVIVORS AND ARANGEMENTS

In addition to her husband of 63 years, Thomas J. Russo, survivors include a daughter, Kimberly Jane Russo; a son, T.J.; his wife, Lois, and their son, Matthew Griffith Russo. Mrs. Russo is also survived by her son, Mark E. Russo, his wife Deborah, and their children, Samantha, Christian and Sydney.

A visitation will be held Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners. The funeral service will take place Monday at 11 a.m. in New Dorp Moravian Church. Private entombment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tewksbury First Aid & Rescue Squad at https://www.tewksburyrescue.org/

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