Rita M. (Canestraro) Russo's Obituary
Rita M. (Canestraro) Russo, 88, of Liverpool, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, July 29, 2014. She was born in Syracuse, the daughter of the late Andrew and Pauline (Francher) Canestraro. Rita graduated from North High School. She was formerly employed at First Trust Bank and then became the Office Manager for John E. Russo Produce Company at the Regional Market. Rita was a member of the Daughters of Columbus, Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter St. Therese Society and American Federation of Women. She married her childhood sweetheart, John E. Russo who passed away in 1999. She and John enjoyed following their children and grandchildren’s educational and athletic endeavors. Rita was an avid cook and baker and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, John E. Russo and her brother, Carmen Canestraro.
Rita is survived by her children, Joseph A. (Patricia) Russo, Andrew J. (Loraine) Russo, and Mary Paula (Garrett) Prindle; 8 grandchildren, Amy Renna (Brian), Dr. Mark Russo (Karrie), Andrew C. Russo (Natalia), Kristina Ruthig (Steve), Andrea Anderson (Stacy Ryan), Lindsay Russo, John Russo (Kimerli), Nicole Stark (Michael); 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Colonna Russo, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins.
The family would like to give special thanks to her caregivers, Rosemary Whitney and Jewell Carver for their wonderful care they have given Rita over the past several years.
A funeral mass in celebration of Rita’s life will be held at Noon on Friday, August 1, 2014 at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, Syracuse. Entombment will follow in the family mausoleum at Assumption Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
Donations may be made to the Russo Family Scholarship at LeMoyne College, 1419 Salt Springs Rd., Syracuse, NY 13214.
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