Richard Thomas Russo
August 25, 1956 - March 15, 2022
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St. Pius X Catholic Church
7800 Halprin Dr.
Norfolk, Virginia 23518
Tuesday 4/5, 11:00 am

Richard Thomas Russo, son of the late Jack and Leona Russo, was born in New York, NY on August 25, 1956. Surrounded in his last days by his brother Jack, sister-in-law Angela and nephews Brian and Michael, he passed peacefully on March 15, 2022. He also leaves behind aunts and uncles in NY and NJ:…

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Patricia Anderson Shockey left a message on July 27, 2023:
I remember Richard at the Omni Hotel. I was working at the Front Desk and he always had a smile on his face and a kind soul as well. I always looked forward to any hotel interactions we had as always came thru with a great attitude. I remember him fondly.
Rob Siegel left a message on April 1, 2022:
I was very sorry to hear of my friends passing . I met Richard in 2000 when I was hired at Alexander's on the bay in Virginia Beach . It's kind of funny looking back on it because when I met Richard, to me he seemed a little stiff .Right from the get go to me he seemed to be up my butt on everything I was doing as a new employee. It took all of a couple of shifts to realize that this guy really knew his stuff and was only trying to make me a better and more knowledgeable server . He'd used to say and I quote ' Dude this is fine dining ! " When Richard found out from the manager who hired me that I owned a couple of restaurants , ran the food and beverage operation at a major hotel casino in Atlantic City and the reason she hired me was because of my whimsical whittyness not to mention the experience. Needless to say Richard and I became great friends in and out of work . We had so much in common . Our love for Bmw's , the passion we both shared in the hospitality business and most of all a sense of humor . On the floor I could never shake him ,,but in the kitchen I could make him laugh so hard his eyes watered up . When I used to get an occasional customer who was trying to empress his date with his so called wine knowledge I'd politely say, " that is a tad behind my knowledge " then I'd grab Richard . I used to get great joy of having him come over to my table and totally blow this guy away with his knowledge of fine wine . He did that with such tact and grace the customer never thought for a second he just got made a fool of . God ! He was so masterful . The other part of Richard was his kindness and generosity. He was a very caring and giving man who always judged people by their character. Knowing him for the last 20 plus years was a privilege and I will miss him dearly as I'm sure everyone who knew him feels the same way . Fairwell my good friend and God bless your family.
Sari Wise left a message on March 21, 2022:
I am so saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. I worked with him years ago at the Omni Hotel. What a kind a caring man! Nothing ever frazzled him at work. He was always the professional. Jack, my prayers are with you and your family.
pete reilly left a message on March 19, 2022:
Rich, you will be missed, always a bro, always a smile on your face, Ace '74
Dawn Wheeler left a message on March 19, 2022:
I am so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. He was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Chicks Beach. He will be missed by many.
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Kevin and Leslie Arnold left a message on March 19, 2022:
We want to express our condolences and love to all of Rich’s friends and family that loved him as we did! To Jack, Angela, Brian, and Michael, Rich kept us updated on your lives. He was so proud of you, Brian and Michael! We are so grateful for you and your care when Rich was sick and when he was well! To the “bros,” we know how much you all meant to Rich! He loved the trips to the Outer Banks and the reunions in Northern VA. To the various band members, we know the hole in your hearts is as big as ours! Rich loved to travel! We went to Jamaica together three times and to Amsterdam twice. We had to cancel our reservations in 2020 due to COVID-19, but we planned another trip as the city had opened up recently. The picture was taken when we were 19. So many amazing memories! 💔😭
Kevin & Leslie Arnold left a message on March 19, 2022:
We want to express our sincere condolences to all of those wonderful people who loved Rich as we did! Jack, Angela, Brian, and Michael, Rich kept us updated on your lives and we are so grateful for your presence as he was initially healed and as he became ill again. We know the hole he left in your hearts! To the “bros,” we want you all to know how important you were to Rich, even when you weren’t getting together. He loved your times in the Outer Banks, as well as the reunions in Northern VA. To the various band members who played with Kevin, we expect your loss is as significant as ours! Rich loved travel. We went to Jamaica with him and Tom in 1979. He returned several times and continued to travel with us to Amsterdam. Unfortunately, we canceled our trip in 2020 due to COVID-19. We did plan to return and Rich looked forward to our next trip! He will always be in our hearts!!
Mark and Sandy Sheffler left a message on March 18, 2022:
Sandy and I had the pleasure of meeting Rich years ago through our friends kevin and Lesley Arnold who were childhood friends of Rich. Even had the the pleasure of going to Jamaica with him 27 years ago. He is a wonderful friend and a truly great guy. RIP.🙏🙏
Tommy left a message on March 18, 2022:
Ritch was like a brother to me, his family like my own. We played tennis, music and fished, and oh what a culinary king. I will miss him immensely but to reunite once again in heaven, he was a very spiritual man.
Max Sarosdy left a message on March 17, 2022:
Rich and Jack watched me grow up. I’m sorry his journey here on Earth has come to an end, but I’m guessing he was probably needed in one of heaven’s fine dining restaurants. Much love to Jack and the family.
Mimi Beard left a message on March 17, 2022:
I worked with Richard at Alexander’s and was saddened to hear of his passing. He was a warm hearted person always willing to share his knowledge and friendship.
Kathy Sarosdy left a message on March 17, 2022:
I have been out of touch with your family for some time, but I have many warm memories. Rich was always such a kind and gentle man. I am so very sorry. Too soon, too soon!
Leslie Arnold left a message on March 17, 2022:
We cannot imagine our lives without Rich. We remember him in every room of our home, including the room he slept in when we would go on trips early in the morning. We have another angel in heaven!
Cremation Society of Virginia left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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