[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF REVEREND MICHAEL RUSSO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2022

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Reverend Michael Russo.
  Throughout his life, Michael demonstrated his dedication to his faith 
and his passion for education. He earned his bachelor's in 
communications and later his Master of Divinity from Seton Hall 
University. Michael became an ordained minister in 1971 and was known 
from that point on as Father Mike. Father Mike was especially 
interested in political communications and American journalism. He 
earned a Ph.D. in American Social and Political History from New York 
University (NYU). His doctoral dissertation, which focused on CBS 
News's impact on American politics, received the 1983 Bayrd Still Award 
in Historical Writing.
  Father Mike was eager to share his knowledge and passion for U.S. 
history with future generations. He began his career as an educator 
teaching Religion and Communication Studies at Seton Hall. He later 
served as chair of Seton Hall's Religious Studies Department. He began 
teaching Political Communication at Saint Mary's College in the early 
1980s and was later appointed as chair of the Academic Senate and chair 
of the Communication Department. Father Mike was adored among the Saint 
Mary's community and has touched countless students' lives.
  Father Mike worked closely with CBS News for many years, offering his 
expert analysis on papal happenings. His partnership with CBS began 
when Mike was still in college, serving as Walter Cronkite's desk 
assistant. Father Mike was later asked by CBS to cover events 
surrounding the Pope where he provided his expertise to a global 
audience. Father Mike had the honor of travelling with Pope John Paul 
II on ``Shepard One'' when His Holiness visited Northern California in 
1987.
  Sadly, Mike passed away on August 10, 2022. He is survived by his 
brother Joseph and his wife Anita, his sister Marian, his nieces and 
nephews, Leah, AJ, Philip, Bettina, Tim, William, Josephine, and 
Julian, and many other loving family members, friends, colleagues, and 
parishioners. Father Mike will be remembered for his wisdom, 
compassion, and commitment to his faith. He will be deeply missed. 
Please join us in honoring Reverend Michael Russo for his many 
contributions to our community and to our Nation.

                          ____________________