[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1410-E1411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF RONALD A. RUSSO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2017

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of 
Ronald A. Russo, a dedicated father, husband, brother, and grandpa who 
passed away on Friday, October 20, 2017.
  Ron was born on June 16, 1953, in Youngstown, Ohio to Rucco and Anna 
(Sikusha) Russo. He graduated from Chaney High School in 1971 and 
worked for the Youngstown Fire Department for the past 37 years. He was 
currently serving as Battalion Chief. Prior to becoming a chief, he 
spent the majority of his career on Squad 33. Ron earned several 
lifesaving valor and crew awards during his career, and he was always 
willing to help anyone in need. He was a member of I.A.F.F., 
O.A.P.F.F., and Y.P.F.F. Local No. 312. He especially enjoyed working 
with his father and former Youngstown Fire Chief Rocco Russo, and his 
twin brother, retired Youngstown Fire Department Battalion Chief Rich 
Russo.
  Outside of work, Ron spent a great deal of time watching his son 
coach hockey. As soon as Ron found out he was going to be a 
grandfather, he put a swimming pool in his backyard. He had devoted the 
last eight years of his life to his grandchildren. Everything from 
family vacations, crabbing on the beach, teaching them to cook, and 
that every animal says ``moo.'' He also enjoyed cooking and hosting 
family gatherings with his loving wife Joann. Their home was always 
open to everyone. The family motto was ``La Familiga E'Tutto,'' family 
is everything.
  He will always be remembered lovingly by his wife, the former Joann 
Booher, whom he married Dec. 31, 2004; four children, Rocco Russo 
(Melissa Singleton), Margaret (Michael) DeNiro, Marie (Jared) Rupert, 
and Melissa Russo; two stepchildren, Tristan (Kolt) Codner, and Justine 
(Corey) Keller; twin brother, Richard (Janet) Russo; brother Robert 
(Debbie) Russo; seven grandchildren, Gavin and Logan Rupert, Dominic, 
Carmen, Julianna DeNiro, Gianna Russo, and Andrew Codner; and numerous 
nieces, nephews, and cousins.

[[Page E1411]]

  Ron's life will be celebrated on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at the 
Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home in Boardman, Ohio, followed by a 
funeral service at the Poland United Methodist Church, where he was a 
member. Ron will be greatly missed both by the community and his 
family. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

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