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Elizabeth Russo posted a condolence
Grandpa Russo sent me birds to color for my 4th birthday. He also let me use his markers, pens, and his paper. He used to play catch with me. I threw his hat and he caught it. Then he threw his hat and I caught it. He always laughed when I played with him. I loved him and he loved me.
j
joan russo posted a condolence
Dad, you saw art everywhere and you brought beauty and humor into our lives. Thank you for being a great dad and grandpa. I hope you can still see art everywhere in the universe and your spirit is drawing pictures with the stars.
Love, Joanie
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Stef Dunphy posted a condolence
"It's time for another exciting adventure of Double-O Russo!" I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful childhood filled with memories of painting birds and the American flag, making books (the Nose book and Fashion book were my favorite), swinging on the tire swing, tie-dying t-shirts, fishing, wind surfing (without the sail, of course), making X-2000 commercials and our infamous Christmas videos (which kept you young at heart until the very end), playing bocce and tether ball, traveling in the RV, drawing ladies in the sand or flowers on an easel, playing with frogs, playing tennis, having a puppet show, swimming in Whitney Lake, singing Christmas carols, reading the McDonalds menu, playing ping pong, watching movies, sitting by the fireplace, playing the harmonica, shooting bb guns, sledding down the hill and the list goes on and on. There was never a dull moment at the "Horse House" and I always looked forward to spending time with you and Grandma and the rest of the Russo gang. You fostered my artistic ability and creativity and you truly knew how to enjoy life and live it so simply and yet, to the fullest. You were a kid at heart and brought joy to others through your artwork and humor (no matter how blunt or inappropriate it was). At least now you can play brisk with Grandma, Liz and Dad. Until we meet again.
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Stef Dunphy posted a condolence
"It's time for another exciting adventure of Double-O Russo!" I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful childhood filled with memories of painting birds and the American flag, making books (the Nose book and Fashion book were my favorite), swinging on the tire swing, tie-dying t-shirts, fishing, wind surfing (without the sail, of course), making X-2000 commercials and our infamous Christmas videos (which kept you young at heart until the very end), playing bocce and tether ball, traveling in the RV, drawing ladies in the sand or flowers on an easel, playing with frogs, playing tennis, having a puppet show, swimming in Whitney Lake, singing Christmas carols, reading the McDonalds menu, playing ping pong, watching movies, sitting by the fireplace, playing the harmonica, shooting bb guns, sledding down the hill and the list goes on and on. There was never a dull moment at the "Horse House" and I always looked forward to spending time with you and Grandma and the rest of the Russo gang. You fostered my artistic ability and creativity and you truly knew how to enjoy life and live it so simply and yet, to the fullest. You were a kid at heart and brought joy to others through your artwork and humor (no matter how blunt or inappropriate it was). At least now you can play brisk with Grandma, Liz and Dad. Until we meet again.
S
Stef Dunphy posted a condolence
"It's time for another exciting adventure of Double-O Russo!" I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful childhood filled with memories of painting birds and the American flag, making books (the Nose book and Fashion book were my favorite), swinging on the tire swing, tie-dying t-shirts, fishing, wind surfing (without the sail, of course), making X-2000 commercials and our infamous Christmas videos (which kept you young at heart until the very end), playing bocce and tether ball, traveling in the RV, drawing ladies in the sand or flowers on an easel, playing with frogs, playing tennis, having a puppet show, swimming in Whitney Lake, singing Christmas carols, reading the McDonalds menu, playing ping pong, watching movies, sitting by the fireplace, playing the harmonica, shooting bb guns, sledding down the hill and the list goes on and on. There was never a dull moment at the "Horse House" and I always looked forward to spending time with you and Grandma and the rest of the Russo gang. You fostered my artistic ability and creativity and you truly knew how to enjoy life and live it so simply and yet, to the fullest. You were a kid at heart and brought joy to others through your artwork and humor (no matter how blunt or inappropriate it was). At least now you can play brisk with Grandma, Liz and Dad. Until we meet again.
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Sandy posted a condolence
John P.Russo, don't forget the "P" , as he would say. John was one of the most compassionate and lovable man I have ever met. His love for his family was remarkable. For long hours we would watch his family home movies, which he would be the narrator as it was playing.So proud of them. John P Russo will be in my heart and prayers for a very long time.I was glad to be a part of his last days.
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Eva Seid posted a condolence
John Russo was the funny,down-to-earth teacher at Parsons who guided so many lost kids in finding a way to be creative and to have a profession. He was the advisor and father figure to thousands of students. His love of life and warmth was special. I still laugh at jokes John made over 40 years ago. I was fortunate to be one of his students. I will miss you John. Be well. Love, Eva Seid
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Lorraine Russo posted a condolence
I loved talking to my father-in-law John and he could talk. He loved life. He made me appreciate the simple things. He was such a talented man. His art work will be a part of our family forever. My children Stefanie & Nick had such a wonderful childhood with their Grandpa & Grandma. They have beautiful memories to tell their children. Grandpa you will be deeply missed but now you get to spend time with Christine, Elizabeth & David again. Please watch over all of us.
J
Jack and Pam Sardo posted a condolence
We have had the honor of reading his privileged eulogy and in with greatest respect we send our deepest condolences to the Russo family, extended family and to our dearest friends Patrick, Stefanie and Theodore Dunphy. You are in our prayers - Love Jack and Pam
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Harding Family posted a condolence
I remember Mr.Russo drawing pictures on anything and everthing. At the Hawley Diner he even drew on an egg shell. A napkin or even a place mat was never safe and he never ran out of stories. Mr. Russo not only had a gift for drawing, but also for people. When I was a little girl he used to take me in the back room and teach me different techniques and show me his latest works. He even painted some pictures with me then gave them to me when we were finished. His art work never ceased to amaze me and I remember wanting to be just like him. He was truly an inspiration and he will be greatly missed.
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billj posted a condolence
The fun at the lake, the fun on Maryland Ave; the beach , Stone Harbour, cutting down trees , chopping wood, finding Mr and Mrs Russo on the same vacation you are on. His art that covers all of our walls the stories from Parsons, his generosity!!!!
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Trix Rende posted a condolence
John was a creative giant and a giant of a mensch. His spirit
and spunk will be missed and his contribution to society will always be appreciated! and deeply missed. He was the master of conversation...Rest in Peace John...
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Robin & Chris Peterson posted a condolence
We had the pleasure of having John as a teacher at Parson's more than 40 years ago. More recently we enjoyed his artwork & stories of family & his love of life and all its creative possibilities thru his daughter & the arts alliance projects. he will certainly be missed...but not forgotten! Rest in Peace, Robin & Chris
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Joe and Jenny Scro posted a condolence
We will always remember John. He saw the world through the eyes of an artist. John picked up a small rock from a beach near Nice, playfully gave
it a Picasso-esque face, and handed it
to me. For years it has stared at me,
a paperweight on my desk, reminding
me that there is art all around us.
Here is a poem for him, written by
Billy Collins.
"The Brooklyn Museum of Art"
I will now step over the soft velvet
rope
and walk directly into this massive
Hudson River
painting and pick my way along the
Palisades
with this stick I snapped off a dead
tree.
I will skirt the smoky, nestled towns
and seek the path that leads always
outward
until I become lost, without a hope
of ever finding the way back to the
museum.
I will stand on the bluffs in nineteenth
century clothes,
a dwarf among rock, hills, and
flowing water,
and I will fish from the banks in a
straw hat
which will feel like a brush stroke
on my head.
And I will hide in the green covers
of forests
so no appreciator of Frederick Edwin
Church,
leaning over the soft velvet rope,
will spot my tiny figure moving in
the stillness
and cry out, pointing for the others
to see,
and be thought mad and led away to
a cell
where there is no vaulting landscape
to explore,
none of this birdsong that halts me
in my tracks,
and no wide curving of this river that
draws
my steps toward the misty vanishing
point.
M
Maureen Maloney posted a condolence
Your smile could make all who met you socially instantly feel your natural sense of humor and love of people. The piece of artwork which hangs in our home will always keep your warmth near us. Thank you John and God Bless your beautiful family during this time of loss.
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Phyllis Barone Ameduri posted a condolence
Mr. Russo - you stood out in my childhood for until I met you I had never encountered such a smart, clever, genuine, comical, and talented adult.And I did not know all that could be wrapped up in one person! I was in awe of the Russo's. Period. You, and Mrs. Russo raised an amazing brood - all so bright, and talented, and so genuinely NICE.I am so happy to have known you and to have been touched by the Russo family. Rest in peace after such a glorious life of loving and giving to others. You will not be forgotten for your spirit lives on in your kin forever. With love and affection. Phyllis
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Beth & Pat Dunphy posted a condolence
"what we saw is what we got". Never presuming, always funny,interesting,interested in others,passionate and understanding of the impact of art on life and life on art. Well loved by his family and friends whom he loved so much. The impact he left on his granddaughter Stef and how it has helped make her the incredible person she is today.
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The Mooks posted a condolence
Flames - a poem by Billy Collins
Smokey the Bear heads
into the autumn woods
with a red can of gasoline
and a box of wooden matches.
His ranger's hat is cocked
at a disturbing angle.
His brown fur gleams
under the high sun
as his paws, the size
of catcher's mitts,
crackle into the distance.
He is sick of dispensing
warnings to the careless,
the half-wit camper,
the dumbbell hiker.
He is going to show them
how a professional does it.
A
Albert Eisler posted a condolence
John, as an instructor of mine possessed a warm personality along with a great sense of humor that assisted the learning process for me as well as others. John became a true friend that I will always remember.
J
Joe Russo posted a condolence
Anyone who has met John Russo must include him as a character in the story of their lives. The lucky ones include him as a main character but many more will feature him in a supporting role. In quite a few lives he shows up in a scene stealing cameo appearance and in a multitude more his character role is pure comic relief. John made Will Rogers look like Joseph Stalin. Not only did he "never meet a person he didn’t like", but he never met one he wouldn’t talk to, wouldn’t tell the story of his life to, wouldn’t draw a picture for, wouldn’t invite to his house, wouldn’t give his artwork to, etc, etc, etc.
His character was a combination of many other characters. He had the artistic muse of Henri Matisse and the dumb luck of Forrest Gump. His use of the English language was a combination of Professor Irwin Corey and Redd Foxx. John was a blend of these characters, plus a few more: all three Marx brothers - Chico (ethnic attitude), Harpo (libido), Groucho (irreverence and looks), Piaget (teaching philosophy), Columbo (fashion sense), Atticus Finch (paternal instincts) and Ralph Kramden (love of life and purity of heart). As a character he was unique and unforgettable, when we think of him we smile.
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BOB & EILEEN SMITH posted a condolence
IT WAS ALWAYS NICE TO BE IN MR. RUSSO'S PRESENCE. HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND FUNNY STORY TO SHARE. HE WAS SUCH A TALENTED ARTIST WITH A TRUELY AMAZING IMAGINATION. WE ENJOYED WATCHING HIS HOLIDAY FAMILY VIDEOS. HIS FAMILY WAS EVERYTHING TO HIM. WE WILL MISS HIM. GOD BLESS YOU MR, RUSSO REST IN PEACE.
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Brian Bokar posted a condolence
Mr. Russo had a joie de vivre, zest for life, that he shared with his family and friends. He created artistic and utilitarian wonders that will surely endure for the ages.
He was an ardent conversationalist and colorful character and he will remain dear to all.
I always enjoyed the time I spent with him and his family.
M
Morris Zaslavsky posted a condolence
John was my teacher when I was a student at Parsons School of Design. Later he became my friend and mentor during our time teaching together at Parsons. I enjoyed our lunches a few times each week for over nine years. Talk was art, design, and life. John was always inspiring with his low-key yet dynamic sense of humor about everything creative. We were close friends, and I continue to look back on our times together, our long telephone conversations in later years, and recall how fortunate I was to have had the privilege of knowing John.
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Michael Russo posted a condolence
John J. Russo was a good man. His art was the best I ever saw. His home is in the Poconos. He sent me drawings of birds for my 8th birthday. He always thought of funny names for the birds. I will miss him. My time that I got to spend with him was short but happy. I wish to see him one more time.
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In Loving Memory
John Russo
1920 - 2012
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