Carman “Mike” Michael Russo
Age 82, Of Monroeville, formerly of Plum and Penn Hills, passed peacefully on March 16, 2021. He was the son of the late Margaret (Peg) Nuzzo and Carman Russo; Beloved husband to Cynthia “Cindy” Russo; Dear father to Dennis Russo, Connie (Joe) Smith, and Jeff (Stephanie) Russo; Loving Brother of Lucille Russo and the late Dolores Moore, James Russo, Joseph Russo, Gloria Bisceglia, Frank Russo; Loving Grandfather to 8 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren; Uncle and cousin to so many Russo’s, Nuzzo’s, and Festa’s.
Mike was one of the most loving people you would meet. He loved his family and friends and couldn’t wait to hear about what was going on in their life. He loved to hear stories. He genuinely cared about everyone and wanted the best for each and every person he knew. As private as he was, he would talk to anyone. He loved the outdoors so much, he would be part owner in a camp in Potter County with some great friends where he would teach his children how to fish, hunt, hike, bike and learn to appreciate the outdoors. He would eventually build and own a second camp in Forest County near Marienville with his best buddy, Lou. There, he would again be able to teach and pass on his love for the outdoors with his grandchildren. Showing them everything he taught his kids and more, even how to find the perfect spot on the Clarion River to spend the day with his family. One thing he taught us without ever saying it was, Balance in Life. Work hard and play harder, find the time to spend with your family and friends on the weekends or whenever you can to appreciate why you work so hard.
Mike was originally from Penn Hills where he was raised as a Farmer’s son with 6 brothers and sisters farming fields in Penn Hills and Plum Borough. After graduating high school and attending Coffeyville College in Kansas he became a Land Developer and Residential Contractor in 1962 where he would develop Willow Village and Woodlawn Estates developments and build homes on Mallisee Road in Plum Borough. Throughout his career he would build just under 500 homes in Plum and the Eastern Suburbs before becoming a commercial Estimator, Superintendent or Project Manager for several commercial contractors. Before he worked for other commercial contractors, he built the famous, Abby Lee Dance Studio and a local Ice Cream Shop, now Joe’s Ice Cream in Roy Plaza until retiring at age 72. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.
Friends will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills Friday, March 19, 2021 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Service and interment private. We will be following COVID-19 State guidelines.