Lucille Louise “Lu, Auntzie” Russo
Age 90, of Verona, Lucille Louise “Lu, Auntzie” Russo passed away peacefully on Friday, December 3, 2021. She was born on January 23, 1931 to the late Nenetta Festa and Carman Anthony Russo. Loving sister of the late Francis “Buster” Russo, Gloria “Glo” Bisceglia, Joseph “Dixie” Russo, James “Jim” Russo, Carman Michael “Mike” Russo, and Dolores “Dee” Moore. She was aunt and cousin to so many Russos, Nuzzos and Festas. Though never blessed with children of her own, she would name all 19 of her nieces and nephews, saying with a huge smile she “loved them all and considered herself to be blessed to have them as her children.” Family was a huge part of her. She was lovingly known as “Auntzie” and was always there to welcome everyone and lend a helping hand. She never questioned taking care of her family and friends, it was just Auntzie taking the adage to heart “my home is your home” for a day, a month, and for some, years. She especially enjoyed her last home, Beechtree Commons with her many friends and her role as VP of Activities and Social Gatherings. She also invested many years as a Penn Hills Democratic Committee Member and Poll worker helping the community.
Throughout her life, she held a variety of jobs beginning as a child working with her family at their fruit market, Russo’s on Frankstown Road in Penn Hills and at her Aunt’s, Jane’s Nursery making seasonal floral arrangements; then W.T. Grants, and finally in her professional career at the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds office, retiring as head teller after 30+ years of service.
She will be missed, but her love, kindness, and generosity will live through her beloved family and friends.
Friends and Family will be received in William F. Gross Funeral Home Ltd., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.) Penn Hills, Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 3-7 p.m. Funeral prayers will be held at the funeral home on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 9:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Parish St. John the Baptist Church, 444 Saint John St. Plum, PA 15239 at 10:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery.