Joseph S. ("Joe") Russo

Born in Revere, Massachusetts, Joseph (“Joe”) Russo was raised alongside six siblings. He met and married the love of his life, Margaret (“Rita”) Shea, and together they celebrated 63 years of marriage. Joe and Rita made their home in Peabody, Massachusetts, where they raised their self‑proclaimed five amazing and gorgeous children.  While raising his family, Joe attended and graduated from Northeastern University with an engineering degree and proudly served as a National Guardsman. He later joined the family manufacturing business, ACR Electronics, alongside his siblings, where he served as chief engineer and designed circuit boards for many well‑known corporations.  In retirement, Joe and Rita split their time between Georgetown, Massachusetts and Delray Beach, Florida, enjoying sunny weather, family time, and a well‑earned slower pace of life.

Joe was known for his brilliant mind and his ability to master the most complex problems—or fix just about anything with a little epoxy (which really did work). He was always tinkering in the wood-shop, and there was nothing he couldn’t build, repair, or improve. As an inventor, Joe held several U.S. patents, including a notable patent for emergency lighting that is still used today in homes and buildings across America.

He loved spending time in his garden tending to his many grafted fruit and nut trees. He famously turned the joyful art of apple picking into a dreaded chore for his children by continually planting more trees, reaching a peak of twelve. He also maintained a long‑running personal vendetta against the squirrels stealing from his walnut and chestnut trees. Joe was a music man with a passion for playing and inventing humorous songs, many of which are still sung every Christmas Eve. His love of music was passed down to his children and grandchildren, continuing these treasured family traditions for years to come (“Rocket, I Am the Rooster”).  Above all, Joe was known for his humor and infectious smile. He was a master jokester, famous for his dad jokes and his all‑time favorite response—“a roll of twenties”—whenever anyone asked if he wanted something. He was also a great storyteller, most notably for the tale of how he met his wife in jail (which never happened—they met at a wedding), prompting Rita’s familiar response: “JOE!!!”.   Joe’s life was well lived, well loved, and filled with laughter—and his stories and songs will forever echo in the hearts of his family.

Through all these traits, Joe instilled a deep sense of family, respect, honor, and humor in his children, which he proudly passed on to his grandchildren.  Joe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret “Rita” Russo; his five children and their families: Denise and Joe DiBiase, Stephen and Kim Russo, John and Kim Russo, Joe Russo Jr. and Chris Rollings, and Debbie and Desi Hames. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Stevie Russo Jr., Michael Russo, Alison DiBiase, Matthew DiBiase, JJ Russo Jr., Vaughn Greene, Keaton Greene, Gabrielle Hames, Desmond Hames Jr., and Gavin Hames.  He is also survived by his brothers Larry, Charlie and Geri Damiano, and James and Donna Russo; his sisters‑in‑law Kathleen Shea, Paula and John Millar, and Mary and Bob Travers; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and many close Florida and Revere friends.

Joe is reunited at the pearly gates with his parents, Vita and Joseph Russo of Revere, and with beloved family members Mary and Joe Mastrorio, Alfonso and Rena Russo, Anthony Russo, Ana Russo, Billy Shea, Dennis Shea, Katie Russo, and Michelle Russo.

Family and friends are kindly invited to Joe's visitation on Sunday, February 15th from 10 to noon at the Conte - Giamberardino Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant street, Georgetown. His Funeral Service will follow at noon.  For those who wish in lieu of flowers, Joe may be remembered through donations to Boston Children's Hospital at secure.childrenshospital.org For the funeral home directions, florists or to share memories of Joe with his family, please visit www.cgfuneralhomegeorgetown.com

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