Vincent Russo, Sr.

Vincent G. "Vince" Russo, Sr., a native and lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, died Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

He was born at home on Christmas Day, 1929, to Josie Pastiro Russo and Neno Russo. Vince graduated from Baton Rouge High School and received a degree in mechanical engineering from LSU before graduating from Engineer Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, Va. and being commissioned as a second lieutenant during the Korean War. After receiving a Bronze Star for service in the armed forces, Vince obtained a civil engineering degree from LSU and launched a 30-year career as a bridge design engineer and section head with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. After retiring from state service, he continued working another 15 years as a consultant with GEC Inc. He and his wife were among the founding parishioners of St. Jude Catholic Church, where Vince served on the school board, as parish fair chairman and as the first Grand Knight of the parish's Knight of Columbus Council. He was a longtime member of the St. Jude prison ministry at Angola State Penitentiary.

Vince is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lorena Hebert Russo. He is also survived by his children and their spouses; Chris Russo Blackwood and Bill Blackwood, Beverly Russo Broussard and Kenny Broussard, Vincent G. Russo Jr. and Tommie Russo, Linda Russo Kimmel and Fred Kimmel, Michael Russo and Donna Russo, and Susan Russo; son-in-law, Doug McConnell; grandchildren, Ben Love, Lucas Love, Andrew Kimmel, Kayla McConnell and Carly McConnell; his sister, Joan Russo May; and sisters-in-law, Joyce Russo and Beatrice Russo.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Josie Pastiro and Neno Russo; a daughter, Angela Russo McConnell; a sister and brother-in-law, Josephine and Roland Schillaci; brothers and sister-in-law, Peter and Josephine Russo, John Russo Sr. and Anthony Russo; and brother-in-law, William May.

Visitation will be observed on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Visiting will resume on Monday, January 26, 2015 at St. Jude Catholic Church from 10:00 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at noon.

Pallbearers include Michael Russo, Tony Russo, John Russo Jr., Ben Love, Lucas Love and Andrew Kimmel.

Interment to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. Jude Catholic Church, 9150 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Sunday, January 25, 2015
4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Service

Visitation

St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church
9150 Highland Road
Baton Rouge, LA  70810
Monday, January 26, 2015
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Mass of Christian Burial

St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church
9150 Highland Road
Baton Rouge, LA  70810
Monday, January 26, 2015
12:00 P.M.

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816