Obituary of Donald James Russo

Donald James Russo CLIFTON SPRINGS- Donald James Russo, 61, passed away on Sun. (Aug. 28), at the Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thurs. (Sept. 1), at the Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home LLC, 28 Genesee St. Geneva. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Fri. (Sept. 2), at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Geneva. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. Contributions may be directed to the John F. Russo, Jr. (JFR, JR.), Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 1005 Geneva, NY 14456. Donald was born on Oct. 16, 1954, in Geneva and was a son of Susan (Tandle) Russo and the late Salvatore Russo. He was a 1972 graduate of Midlakes High School, where he was a standout in football and baseball. In 1976 Donald graduated from SUNY Oswego College. Donald retired after 34 years with NYSEG. After retirement, he worked as a bus driver for Red Jacket Central School. Donald was competitive, coaching various youth sports in the Midlakes community. He was an avid Cleveland Browns fan and an animal lover, who adored his dogs past and present. Donald enjoyed riding motorcycles with close friends from CR7 and playing golf at the Clifton Springs Country Club. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, dad, son, brother, papa, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He is survived by his mother, Susan (Tandle) Russo of Geneva; wife, Sandy J. (Gordner) Russo of Clifton Springs; daughter, Angela (Sean) McGarry of Spencerport; son, Matthew Russo of Syracuse; brother, John (Nancy) Russo of Geneva; sisters, Frances (Gordon) Lowery of Knoxville, TN and Barbara (Jim) Broomfield of Geneva; grandchildren, Conor and Ethan McGarry; brothers-in-law, Gary (JoAnn) Gordner of Geneva; Brad (Diane) Gordner of FL and Bill (Pat) Gordner of Clifton Springs; sister-in-law, Sherry (Scott) Converse of Palmyra and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Donald was predeceased by his father, Salvatore Russo, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Raymond and Marion Gordner; nephew, John F. Russo, Jr.