Anthony "Tony" Russo

Anthony “Tony” Russo, 92, of Betsy Ross Way in Liverpool, died Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Tony was a native of Syracuse and resided at 214 Toas Ave, Mattydale for 53 years before moving to Liverpool in 2005. He was the son of the late Paul and Philomena Russo.

Tony graduated from Vocational High School and played semi-pro football in the 1940’s, winning the CNY championship in 1941 wearing only leather helmets & pads. Tony was an avid golfer from the age of 18 right up until age 91 and caddied for Buster Crabbe during a tournament in Florida when he was 18. He served in the NAVY Submarine Corp aboard USS Roncadora #301in the Pacific during World War II. Tony retired in 1983 after 34 years as a machinist for General Electric Company Heavy Military Division. He also worked part time in the 1950’s + 60’s for the Leitten Funeral Home in Mattydale. He was member of the American Legion Post #1832, the VFW #3146, and served for 28 years as president of the 3rd Ward Men’s Club. He was a member and past board member of the Mattydale-Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce and the Plank Road Chamber of Commerce and chaired various committees including the golf and membership committee. In December 2014 Tony received the Inaugural "Tony Russo Legacy Award" from the Greater North Syracuse/Plank Road Chamber of Commerce for his lengthy, dedicated and continued support to the Mattydale and North Syracuse Communities. He was a member of the submarine chapter in Binghamton NY, and a member of the Happy Hearts Club. Tony attended Believers Chapel Church where he served as an usher and a greeter for many years and was a member of their Vanguards group.

He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, the former Carmelina “Carmella” Cangemi, on January 4, 2015, by a sister, Vicky Delassandro, and by his brother, Vince Russo.

Tony is survived by his three children: Marie (Jim) Dempsey of Mattydale, Carolyn Hutt of Liverpool, and Anthony Russo II of Thousand Oaks, CA; his four grandchildren: Ricky Ballard, Rachel Allen, and Jordan and Marissa Hutt; four great grandchildren; his sister, Elizabeth Mallaro of Mattydale and four brothers: Joe and Chris Russo, both of Liverpool, Vito Russo, of Mattydale, and Paul Russo, of Syracuse.

Contributions in Tony's memory may be made to Believers' Chapel, 7912 Thompson Rd., Cicero, NY 13039.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2-5 pm at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Road, Mattydale. Services will be on Monday, 11 am, at Believers Chapel. Burial with full military honors will be in North Syracuse Cemetery.