Alfred M. Russo, 81, Longshoreman

Alfred M. Russo, age 81, of North Olmsted, and formerly of Lorain, died Monday, February 18, 2002 at Community Health Partners Hospital and Surgical Center following an illness of 5 � years.

He was born at sea on April 7, 1920 aboard the Navigazione Generali Italiano as his family emigrated from their native Sicily to the United States. Upon his birth, the captain of the ship served as his godfather.

A longtime Lorain resident, he had lived in North Olmsted for the past 4 years. Mr. Russo attended Lorain High School where he played varsity football. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy serving as a Seaman Second Class at Pearl Harbor. Following completion of his military service, he returned to Lorain where was the proprietor of a Gulf Oil service station, which was located at the intersection of East 29th Street and Pearl Avenue. He was later employed as a longshoreman with the T.L. & F (Toledo-Lorain & Fairport) Dock Company. He retired from that position in 1978 following 30 years of service.

A parishioner of Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Lorain) he was a life member of Italian-American Veterans Post #1 of Lorain, a life member of Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of the Disabled American Veterans (Lorain), a life member of the American Slovak Club as well as a member of A.A.R.P.

He formerly competed in amateur boxing. An accomplished woodworker, additional interests included golf, bowling, playing cards, taking walks, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathleen (nee Demko), sons: Richard "Rick" and Randy both of North Olmsted, daughter, Sheila Spontik of Lorain, 2 granddaughters, one great grandson, a brother: Santo Russo of Garfield Heights, and a sister, Mary Walters of Valley City.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Salvatore and Nunzia (nee Bucca) Russo, by a brother, Joseph and by a sister: Kay Kolaczko.

The family invites you to gather for his funeral mass on Thursday, February 21, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2428 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. The Rev. David A. Novak, pastor of the church will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain where Italian-American veterans Post #1 will conduct full military honors.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to The Cleveland Chapter of Alzheimer's Foundation, 12200 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44120 or mass offerings to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2428 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44055.