WTC Families  For A Proper Burial

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With much sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of Arthur Russo on Wednesday morning, Nov. 23, 2010, at his home in Union, N.J. Friends and relatives may call at the McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave., Union, N.J. on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 28, from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be a personal remembrance of Arthur at the funeral home on Sunday, Nov. 28, at 4 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 971 Suburban Rd., Union, N.J. on Monday, Nov. 29, at 9:30 a.m. after gathering at the funeral home at 8:30. Interment will be at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union, N.J. Arthur was born in New York City to the late Ernest and Velia Navarra Russo and lived his early years in New York City and Phillipsburg, N.J. He resided in Union, N.J. for the past 53 years. He dedicated himself endlessly to family, community and work. At the time of his death, Arthur was the executive director of the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for the State of New Jersey. He held that position for the past 20 years. Arthur enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and proudly served his country during World War II in the South Pacific. Flying numerous combat missions for an elite bombing squadron, Arthur's B-24 bomber sustained severe damage during a bombing mission and crash landed. He was severely injured by enemy fire. Arthur luckily survived and was subsequently awarded numerous medals, including the Purple Heart with Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He was always very proud for his service to his country. Following his discharge, Arthur continued his education and received a bachelor of science degree in business from New York University. Upon graduation, Arthur worked for the United States Civil Service Commission as a job classifier/investigator, where he became interested in building. Arthur moved to Union in 1957 and founded a real estate/insurance agency. He then began a building career with his brother, Raymond, that spanned 30 years. Together, they built hundreds of homes throughout the state of New Jersey. Their company, Piedmont Farms, was one of the first to develop luxury homes in Colts Neck, N.J. Arthur was also actively involved in politics at the local, county and state levels. He served as chairman of the Union Township Democratic Committee for many years. Additionally, he held various offices including chairman of the Union Township Board of Adjustment and president of the Union County Planning Board. He was also president of the local UNICO chapter and played a major role in his brother's political career, former mayor of Union and state senator, Anthony Russo. Arthur was the beloved husband of Arlene Hockenjos Russo; father of Lynne Russo Linale and the late Wayne Alan Russo, who died on Sept. 11, in the World Trade Center. Arthur was actively involved with the families of the World Trade Center victims and was the co-founder of the WTC Families for Proper Burial, where he was passionate in his quest to provide a respectful burial for all 9/11 human remains. Arthur was devoted to his wife of 48 years, Arlene; his daughter, Lynne and son-in-law, Mario Linale; his granddaughter, Jordan Wayne; eight, and his three grandsons, Justin Wayne, 6, and twins, Jesse Wayne and Jared Wayne, 2. Arthur leaves his brother, Anthony Russo and sister-in-law, Ann Russo; sister-in-law, Janet Russo and first cousins, John Russo and Alma Galletta. He was predeceased by his sister, Elvira Russo Stevens and brother, Raymond Russo. He also leaves behind a brother-in-law, Alan Hockenjos and his wife, Virginia Hockenjos, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Arthur relished in his role as family patriarch and family historian. Arthur was a gentleman who was selfless and always put others first. He will be remembered for his numerous good deeds, guidance and assistance rendered to so many. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association , P.O. Box 417005, Boston Mass. 02241.

Published in Star-Ledger on November 27, 2010

 

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