Thomas D. Russo Sr
9/25/36 - 3/4/10
Missed by his loving and devoted family:
Claire Russo (wife of 50 years)
Tammy Russo (daughter)
Thom Russo Jr (son)
Caesar (his canine son)
From the Funeral Prayer Cards:
(The following describes what I know my daddy wants.)
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one,
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun,
Of happy memories that I leave behind when life is done.
Tammy Kissing Daddy
My Daddy was an incredible dancer. He had a natural sense of rhythm and moved gracefully and creatively. When I was young, he shared that talent, teaching me to dance. To learn to copy his moves, I placed my feet on top of his and away we went.
Once I had a sense of the fundamentals, I moved my feet off my father’s. From that point on, he said that I led when we danced. Whether it was because that’s the role I’d learned by hopping atop Dad’s feet, or if that’s always been my natural inclination—who knows. But as is Dad’s way, he simply laughed it off.
Regardless, I loved dancing with my Daddy and searched for opportunities to do so: the occasional restaurant featuring a live band, my cotillion, at San Francisco ’s Ferry Terminal Building
In between dancing opportunities, and especially in the past few years, I stopped leading just long enough to recognize and ponder the many amazing attributes that define Daddy.
His gentle, loving spirit
On his anniversary a few years back, a co-worker’s dog died giving birth to a large litter. Dad rushed there and spent the day helping bottle feed the orphan puppies.
His kind soul
Dad described the time he spent as a teenager as a volunteer at a children’s hospital. He said that too often the children hadn’t seen their families for a long time, and they craved non-medical attention. When visitors arrived, wearing anything other than white lab coats, these children would reach out and call, “Mommy; Daddy—hug, kiss.” And my Daddy, this incredibly strong man, would melt into tears at the memory of kids in such need.
His overwhelmingly generous desire to help
When Dad was in the hospital, the cot on which I slept did a number to my lousy back —another legacy from Dad. When the physical therapist came by, Dad asked her to help with MY back. He was more concerned with my comfort than with his own.
His love of laughter and of sharing glee
Evident in embracing the simple pleasures of animated ‘kids’ movies’
His gentle patience
Preferring for others to talk about themselves and genuinely caring about what they had to say
I’ve heard this refrain from so many of you over the past few days. My earliest related memory is when my Mom had my very long baby hair cut quite short. She was apprehensive of Dad’s potential reaction, and even at such a young age, I clearly understood that anxiety. When we arrived home, Daddy threw me into the air and rained down on me with kisses and hugs, telling me how very beautiful I was.
His proud and passionate dedication to his family
The antithesis of demanding, yet it was crystal clear that Dad was at his absolute best when our family was together. It was on a family vacation that he discovered his ‘special place’, Taormina in Sicily
His natural inclination to appreciate the small stuff in life
When I interned downtown, Dad would pick me up for lunch, bringing pizza bread, and we’d sit by the lake, watching the rolling waves.
His strength and courage
Evident in Dad’s struggles these past years and even more so in his refusal to let any of us know of his fears and apprehension. All he ever wanted was for his family—and he defined family broadly—to be happy.
His grace and love
Shown as Dad thanked the nurses who woke him for endless tests and blood draws, telling them, “I love you”.
His simple wisdom
Some of the last pearls he left with Thom include “Step by step” and “Because that’s just the way it is.”
His sweet happiness
Evident by Dad’s smile in every photo we cherish
It’s all of his uplifting values, I believe, that are Dad’s great legacy--the important lessons he’s left behind for all of us.
For years, I’ve been searching for my passion in life—my purpose, my way, my light, my hope, my love. Mixing metaphors here: Just as Dorothy found in the Wizard of Oz, I’ve now realized that has been right here with me all along--from the day I climbed on Dad’s feet. And now that he’s no longer physically here, my goal is to climb back aboard his tootsies and let him lead once again, embracing and living the inspiration that was his life.
I believe with every fiber of my being that Dad is the best of what’s in all of us whom he touched. So please join me in climbing on his feet. . .I know Daddy’s strong enough to lead us all.
Tammy Russo
Song Request
"Here Comes The Sun"
Beatles
