Salvatore Russo, 87, of Haddon Township, NJ, passed away to be reunited with his beloved bride on April 7, 2023. Salvatore, “Sal”, "Sonny" or “Sammy,” as he was lovingly called, was born on November 27, 1935, to Leonard and Ida Russo in Philadelphia. He was the youngest of three. His sisters Millie and Angie adored “their handsome brother."

Sal told anyone who would listen about his “beautiful family.” In 1954, he asked Theresa Pisasale to a school dance, just under two years later they wed, and danced through life’s ups and downs together for another 65 years. Sal and Theresa raised two children who they cherished beyond words, Michele Russo and Salvatore Russo, Jr., as well as many lost loves they carried with them during their journey to become parents. He also adored his granddaughter, Theresa Zonia, who he helped raise and then came to live with in his final years. In the Zonia/Russo home is where he spent the last 2.5 years with his most beloved joy, his Great Grandson, Finn.

From paper routes to training at BOK School of Arts, Sal knew the value of hard work and creativity. After graduation, he entered carpentry which led him to a 30+ year career in the Carpenter’s Union and side businesses as a custom craftsman and flipping houses with his best friend of nearly nine decades. Sal worked tirelessly to share amazing things with this world. His legacy can be seen in the skyscrapers of Philadelphia, the casinos in Atlantic City and exquisite homes all over South Jersey.

If he wasn’t working, Sal would be outdoors fishing and hunting. His family, particularly his son, nephews and cousins, cherished trips out on the water or to catch a buck with Sal. He was also a pool shark but would regularly dedicate time to teaching others the game so that “he could have some competition.” He was charming, funny, and loads of fun, and his many nieces still fight over who is his favorite.

After retirement, he and Theresa moved from their family home in Brigantine, NJ, and settled in Florida to continue their favorite activities and live a quiet life. In their later years, Sal took on the role of caregiver when Theresa was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He sacrificed to make sure she was comfortable and the most loved until he could meet her again. Salvatore was predeceased by his beloved Theresa Russo in late 2021. He is also predeceased by his sisters and parents. He is survived by his children Michele Russo (Brian Potter) and Salvatore Russo, Jr. (Crystal Russo); Granddaughter, Theresa Zonia (Stefan Zonia); Great Grandson (Finn Zonia); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Services will be held at St. Vincent Pallotti on May 27 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made directly to Brigantine’s Marine Mammal Stranding Center. You can donate funds in Salvatore’s memory.

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