Sunday, August 28, 2011

Nicholas Russo

July 2, 1937 - August 22, 2011

“If I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me?” from Freebird by Lynard Skynard.

Unlike the words to one of his favorite songs above, none of us has to question whether or not we will remember Nick. He was easy going, and had a knack for making everyone feel comfortable. His smile was infectious, and he could always make you laugh. Nick was one of those guys that made friends with everyone, everywhere he went. Even with Yankees fans!

Nick loved Florida, and seven years ago convinced Kathy to move there with him. Before they took-up residence in Florida it had been his favorite place to vacation. He also fulfilled a long time dream of working at Disney. He was a character attendant for four years and worked there until just a few months before he passed. At home in Poinciana, Florida, Nick loved the natural beauty and animals that shared the Solivita community – eagles, owls, sand cranes, wild turkey, deer, even tree frogs and lizards. But the snakes and alligators? He even learned to respect them.

At home, Nick was a great cook. His hoagies rivaled the best you can get in Philadelphia. And his bean soup, and cole slaw weren’t so bad either! Although one of his favorite restaurants was Manny’s, his own kitchen was almost as good.

Nick leaves behind many who will miss him and love him. His wife, Kathy, daughters Monica and Tina, grandchildren Justin, Grace, and Abby, a sister, Anna Marie, a brother, Jack, his best friends Perry and Emmett, who he knew from grade school, his Solivita family and all the friends he made in real estate in his over 30 years in business. If nothing else, it can be said that he was loved.


After Glow

I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an after glow
of smiles when life is done,
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing
times and bright and
summer days.
I’d like the tears of those who
grieve, to dry before the sun,
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.

~Helen Lowrie Marshall





6 comments:

Monica Richmond said...

Dad: Your spirit and smile will be with me always! Love, Monica

Christina Russo said...

Dad:Thank you for being a wonderful dad.I'm really going to miss you.I will cherish all the memories we have shared through the years.You will always be in my heart and my mind.I will never forget you.

jeffrey levy said...

hope your journey to heaven was safe

Toni (Tiny) Billetta Alderfer said...

Nicky,
I will always remember you(and Kathy)for being such wonderful friends of my parents, Perry and Nettie. I know you are in Heaven now with my Mother, the two of you are only a few of those we lost too soon! I believe the "kitchen table" is getting crowded in Heaven, and it won't be complete until Kathy and my Father are with all of you!! My heart is sad to loose such a loving and dear man...until we all meet again!
P.S. Give my Mom a kiss for me!!

Christine Stento said...

Nick,
I will never forget the first day you came to our home to take Kathy out on a date. You became the big brother I never had. So many years have gone by...you are loved and missed.

Anonymous said...

Nick, I remember when Anna introduced us and you helped Pete and I buy our home. I was so nervous about the transaction and you just kept your cool and told me to wait it out and you were able to outsmart the other party and get our house cheaper saving us money.
You were more than just a realtor to us.. You stopped by after to see us and Pete and I considered you a friend... You are missed dearly. Your family and friends have our sincere prayers at this time. So Glad you had a great life. Sylvia Nardi

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