John R. Russo

Age 67, of Beechview, peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home, on Tuesday, July 21,2021.  Beloved father of two children, Nadine M. and John D. Russo; grandfather of Brianna Brady, Margo Chalmers, Geno Spadafora and Kayden Russo; brother of Michael "Rick" Russo; uncle of Michelle, Michael and Alissa Russo.  Also survived by his adoptive family, the Gaetanos, along with many loving cousins and friends throughout the City of Pittsburgh. 

John was such a Pittsburgher.  He was like the original plug to the city that he was born and raised in and loved his whole life.  He even married Kennywood's CEO's niece, Barbara (Coleman) Russo .  He worked for the City of Pittsburgh as a member of Pittsburgh Public Works Department, where he was a foreman retiring after 25 years of service.   He loved his Pittsburgh sports teams so much he worked at all three stadiums, the old Three Rivers Stadium, Heinz Field and PNC Park, as a ticket taker, from the time he was 18 years old.  He was a very proud man and received many awards throughout the years for being a great employee at both of his jobs.  He also worked for events and concert venues hosted by DiCesare Engler and partied with many of the entertainers including Prince and Fleetwood Mac.  John was also the Secretary for his AFSCME Union and would travel to the conventions all over the United States.  He often brought Nadine along which then inspired her to love travel.   

John loved all sports, fantasy football, rock and roll, gambling and fishing.  He was a coach for countless basketball teams and the Pittsburgh Federation Semi-Pro baseball team in Bansville with the Gaetano’s.  He also worked the Dapper Dan Roundball and got to hoop with Michael Jordan!  John won awards for catching prize trophy fish, Steelhead in Lake Erie and Striped Bass in the Chesapeake Bay.  Although he loved his Pittsburgh sports teams, he was a super fan of the Miami Hurricanes.  I don’t think he ever missed an episode of the Young and the Restless.  He loved the drama. 

John was a super fan of many things, including his family who all made him so happy.  He was a great role model, very punctual and organized.  His legacy will be his kind spirit, his jokester personality (which his children have inherited), legendary stories, great laugh, perfect smile and child like soul.  May he be in heaven blasting Bruce Springsteen with all his loved ones that have been waiting for him, including his beloved mother Stella and father Anthony Russo, and watch over all of those that he left behind.   John is a legend and his stories will live on forever because legends never die. 

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