Rev. Armando Russo

Rev. Armando C. Russo, 88, a retired pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Russell, MA., passed away peacefully Friday, December 28, 2007, in Notre Dame Long Term Care Center. He was born June 7, 1919 in Worcester, the son of Paul and Marianne (Caradente) Russo, and attended Sacred Heart Academy . He attended his religious studies in classics and philosophy in Concordia, Italy and the Grand Seminary of theology in Montreal. He was ordained a priest on June 3, 1944 at Saint Michael's Cathedral in Springfield by Bishop Thomas M. O'Leary. Fr. Russo's first assignment was pastor of Saint Anthony Parish, North Adams, where he served from July 1944 to June 1952. He was a temporary pastor for Saint Michael Cathedral, Springfield from July 1952 to October 1952. From October 1952 to June 1953 he was pastor of Blessed Sacrament, Northampton and a temporary pastor for Saint Teresa Parish, Pittsfield from June 1953 to November 1953, returning to Blessed Sacrament from November 1953 to October 1960. He became pastor of Saint Anthony Church, North Adams from October 1960 to September 1971. He retired in June of 2004, celebrating his 60th anniversary in the priesthood and marking his 33rd year as pastor with Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Russell. Throughout his years of being Pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, he oversaw the assembly of the new rectory at Our Lady of the Rosary in the spring of 1979. Fr. Russo was a firm believer in the CCD program and was role model to the children in the parish. He was a big influence in a lot of parishioners' spiritual life. Fr. Russo was devoted to the church and was recognized for his compassion and dedication to the parish. He leaves a sister, Irene Colacchio of Paxton and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers Anthony, Andrew and Andrew Russo and a sister Philomena Deluca. Bishop Timothy McDonnell will preside at a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, January 3rd at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel –Saint Ann Church, 24 Mulberry Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery and Mausoleum. Calling hours will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 2nd in Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Saint Ann Church with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations are made to Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, 559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or to Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, c/o Mont Marie, 34 Lower Westfield Rd., Suite 1, Holyoke, MA 01040-2739.