Eugene S Russo

Eugene S. Russo, 93, long-time resident of East Hanover, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2023. 

Gene was born on August 2, 1930 in Summit, NJ.  He lived an extraordinary life for 93 years and 1 day!  He was the oldest of seven children and had a close and special relationship with each of his siblings.  Gene was interested in business and money at an early age.  He worked in his father’s confectionery store and was treasurer of his grade school class.   This experience is what led him to his lifelong career in banking.  After graduating West Orange High School he proudly served his country during the Korean War.  He was a military policeman with the 8608th Army Administration unit which was stationed in Sheyern, Germany.  After his service he returned home and married his love, Marie.  They were married for 53 years.  He had a long and distinguished career in the financial sector.  He worked for several banks and ultimately retired from The Bank of New York as a Vice President.   He was a longtime resident of East Hanover.  He was a caring father to his two children Elaine and Tom, father-in-law to Peter Ferlise, proud Grandfather to Jenna Fazelpoor, Nicholas & Anthony Ferlise and Great Grandfather to twins Parker & Payton Ferlise. 

Gene will be remembered as a well-respected, happy, funny, good-natured man who was generous with his time, emotions and possessions. He had many hobbies and interests, most of them were self-taught.  He was a skilled woodworker, talented trumpet player who performed with the Kraft German Oom-Pah band throughout the tri-state area for more than 30 years, amateur pilot who owned his own airplane and vessel captain who owned his own boat.  He was a devout catholic and loyal parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Church.  He was a patriot who followed politics and current events and was quite passionate about his beliefs.  He enjoyed watching O'Reilly, Hannity and Tucker Carlson and wished to Make America Great Again!  He believed America's best days are ahead of us.  He was a member and officer of numerous clubs and organizations including the Rotary Club of Wharton (President), The American Legion Post 421 (Finance Officer) and the East Hanover Senior Citizens Club (treasurer).  He was the recent recipient of the prestigious Senior Citizen of the year award.   He enjoyed spending time and traveling the world with his significant other Candice Bolte. 

Gene lived every day to its fullest and left this world with no regrets.  His wish is for others to do the same.  The term " Life well lived" has never been more appropriate. 
 

Devoted father of Elaine Ferlise, her husband Pete, and Thomas Russo.  Cherished grandfather of Jenna Fazelpoor, her husband Matt, Nicholas Ferlise, his wife Lauren, Anthony Ferlise and his fiancé Melissa.  Proud great-grandfather of Parker and Payton Ferlise.  Loving significant other of Candice Bolte.  Dear brother of Marie Hetherington, her husband Nicholas, Dolores Woerlhe and her husband Willy.  Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Eugene was pre-deceased by his wife Marie C. Russo, his parents Mario and Mary Russo, and his siblings Louis Russo, Margarete Russo, Rosann Dsurney and Connie Russo.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover on Tuesday, August 8th at 11:30am.

Donations can be made in Eugene’s name to The Seeing Eye foundation   www.seeingeye.org or The Lupus Foundation of America https://www.lupus.org/

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