Andrew Russo

Wildomar, CA - Andrew Russo, Jr. died peacefully on March 23, 2016, surrounded by his family. His death follows a lengthy battle with motor neuron disease, dementia, and pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joan (Buxton) Russo, as well as their children Erica and Nathan Russo, Nathan's wife Melissa (Marchese) Russo, and his grandchildren, Andrea and Colette Myers-Russo. He also leaves behind siblings Bob Russo and Karen Russo, brother-in-law Dale Buxton, nephews Jeffrey Russo, Chad Buxton, and Adam Buxton, and niece Lindsay Buxton. Andrew was born on December 30, 1942 in Sharon, PA to Andrew and Marie Russo, Sr., of Hickory, PA, where he grew up. He attended college at Youngstown State University, and served in the National Guard from 1966-1972. In 1967, Andrew and Joan married and moved to Ohio, eventually settling in Brookfield, where they raised their children. Andrew began working for Delphi Automotive Systems (then Packard Electric) in 1966 as a draftsman; over the years he was promoted to design checker, engineer, and engineering supervisor. He retired in 2000. Andrew was a man of many talents, who enjoyed fishing, gardening, homesteading, target shooting, fitness, reading, and listening to music. A true engineer by nature, he could fix anything that was broken and couldn't resist optimizing what was substandard. He had an insatiable curiosity, and particularly enjoyed learning about other cultures and cuisines, introducing his family to delicacies like fried rice and basil pesto long before they were trendy. An avid cook, he cured his own meats, brined his own sauerkraut, and even made his own ketchup. He liked spending time outdoors, especially the woods and the beach. He was loved far and wide for his intelligence, humility, work ethic, and humor (which he kept even in his final days), but his most singular attribute undoubtedly was his loyalty, demonstrated in his unfailing dedication to caring for his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his twin sons, Jason Andrew and Justin David Russo; parents, Andrew and Marie (Ulan) Russo, Sr., and nephew Kristopher Robinson. At his request, Andrew will be cremated. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on May 14, 2016 at 11:00 am at Lane Family Funeral Homes - Madasz Chapel located at 6923 Warren Sharon Road Brookfield, Ohio 44403, officiated by Rev. Shaffer. A reception at Brookfield Township United Methodist Church; all are welcome. Memorial contributions may be sent in memory of Andrew to Hospice of the Valleys https://hospiceofthevalleys.org/donate-now/ or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Friends and family may view this obituary and send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.madaszchapel.com.