NORWICH – Richard P. “Dick” Russo, 73, of Belvidere, Ill. and formerly of Harvard, Ill., died Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, in Belvidere.
He was born Nov. 18, 1934, in Norwich, to Nunzio and Carmela (D’Angelo) Russo. He married Leilani Roosa on Nov. 26, 1960, in Oneonta. She died March 24, 2002. He was the former owner of Harvard Restaurant and also had worked in customer service for Intermatic Inc. in Spring Grove and for General Electric.
He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of Knights of Columbus and Harvard Moose Lodge. He enjoyed playing cards, but most of all, he loved being with his grandchildren and watching them in their activities.
He is survived by two daughters, Noel (Mike) Baldwin and Alicia (David) Perez, both of Belvidere; seven grandchildren, Michael (Gee) and Tim Baldwin, Steven (Russo), Austin, Olivia, Lucas and Matthew Perez; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Michael Ryan Baldwin; the extended Perez family; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Korf; and his nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Leilani; his son, Ricky Russo; and his sister, Barbara Richeson.
The visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 206 E. Front St., Harvard, with the Rev. Paul White officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Harvard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Friends and relatives may sign the online guest book at saundersmcfarlin.net. For information call 815-943-5400.