A Gift of Love donations may be made in her memory to the Theresa Foundation to support children with special needs. Phone Number: (516) 432-0200 or www.theresafoundation.org or Address: The Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation 250 Lido Blvd. | Lido Beach, NY 11561

Josephine Louise Russo, born Josephine Louise Alessandra on September 15, 1929, peacefully entered the House of the Lord on July 2, 2022, during a brief hospital stay in St. Mary's, Georgia. Josephine went by many names; to her friends: Jo; to her children: Mom; to her grandchildren: Nanny Jo; and to her great-grandchildren: G-Nanny (Gi-Gi). Jo was born in Brooklyn, New York to the late-Giovannina and Benedetto Alessandra. She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Dante V. Russo ("Dan"); her eight children, Francis (Susan), Dante Jr. (Barbara), Joseph (Dana), Vincent (Susan), John (Donna), Bennett (Stacy), Jeanine (Harry), and Maria; and her sister, Louise Morici. Nanny Jo was adored by her 20 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents, Giovannina and Benedetto; her older sister, Grace Fontana; and her granddaughter, Theresa Alessandra Russo. Jo married the love of her life, Dan, in Brooklyn, New York on September 20, 1947. It was love at first sight for Dan who first saw Jo on her cousin’s front stoop in Brooklyn. Soon after their marriage, they started the Russo Family. Jo and Dan shared a wonderful life together and were looking forward to celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary in September 2022, and to renewing their vows once again. The Russo Family lived in Brooklyn, New York until 1965 when, following a family vote, they relocated to the hamlet of Lido Beach on Long Island. Jo lovingly raised her large family while enjoying life in this idyllic beach community. In 1992, Jo and Dan relocated to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, once again enjoying life by the ocean.

Jo was an incredible mother. Working as a telephone operator at 17 years of age, she became a homemaker, taking on the awesome responsibility of raising a family of eight children – a challenge in which she excelled. Jo was a wonderful cook, preparing many large family meals and parties over the years. Every night, the family would eat together, often Italian food – pasta, veal cutlets, eggplant parmigiana. In order to keep everything in the household running smoothly, Jo was highly organized, as evidence by her thread color system for coding her children’s socks. Everyone had their own color! During her lifetime, Jo was very involved with parent-teacher-classroom activities and school outings. She was an active bowler, belonging to the Long Beach Women Bowling League, and she enjoyed ice skating and outings to Rockefeller Plaza, Broadway shows, and live concerts. Jo even learned and enjoyed playing tennis and golf. She had an artistic flare and enjoyed painting with oils in her spare time, as well as creating needlepoint projects. And as any visitor to her homes would attest, Jo excelled at decorating and had exquisite taste. Upon moving to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida after Dan’s retirement, Jo and Dan became active parishioners of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale, where Jo was a member of the Women's Guild. In Florida, Jo continued playing tennis and enjoying the beach, the ocean, and pool. She also continued her love of live shows, attending the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and concerts. When Jo turned 80 years old, she greeted a new family member into her life, her shih-poo, Dani-Boy, and together they shared a special bond.

Jo was always fashionable, ahead of her time, and would light up a room with her smile. She was witty and had a fun-loving sense of humor—and a generous and memorable laugh! She loved to sing and she maintained a positive attitude and zest for life. By her actions, she taught her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren many lessons on how to live a full and satisfying life. Jo and Dan traveled the world with friends and family. They loved visiting other countries and sampling their cultures from Mexico to Italy, Spain, and France. At home, they enjoyed dining out often, and celebrated every single day of their lives together. In January 2022, Jo and Dan relocated to St. Mary's, Georgia, and started to enjoy a quieter life, attending weekly mass at St. Marys Catholic Church, strolling along the St. Marys River, visiting parks, reading, and spending time with family. Jo loved God and her large and ever growing family. With the birth of each new family member, Jo’s heart would burst with joy, and her love extended that joy to everyone she met. There is no doubt that she will live on in the hearts and memories of all those who love her. We will always remember one of her favorite sayings: “Remember the Happy Things". May God bless her soul and the loving family she leaves behind.