Marty Russo

Marty Russo

January 17, 1936 - February 04, 2009

Marty Russo

January 17, 1936 - February 04, 2009

Obituary

Martin Gregory Russo

Martin Gregory ‘Marty’ Russo passed away on February 4, 2009. He was born in New York City on January 17th, 1936 to Marguerite Jean and John Russo. He spent his childhood in Hillsdale, NJ until he left for the Carolinas, California, Japan and Korea where he served in the US Marine Corps. Marty studied Art at The New York Phoenix School of Design, Pratt Institute NYNY, Art Center College of Design, Los Angeles and graduated from CSU Fullerton with a BA in Geography.

In September 1958, he departed New Jersey on his honeymoon with his bride Peggy Erdman and traveled to Orange County, California where he remained to raise a family, build a career and enjoy a great community of friends. He began his drafting career with The City of Santa Ana and soon thereafter joined a small group of young people venturing to develop the planned community of Mission Viejo. He served as Director of Community Services at The Mission Viejo Company and retired after 30 years. His involvement in the community extended beyond his professional role as demonstrated by his long and enthusiastic participation in the MV Activities Committee and his residence in Mission Viejo for over 40 years. His second career was born of his passion for woodworking when he began a small enterprise designing, building, refurbishing and refinishing furniture. His woodwork gave him great joy and an outlet for his artist gifts. He returned often to New Jersey to enjoy family, dear friends and his love of the woods.

Marty was an avid Angels baseball fan, birdwatcher and fisherman. He loved Jazz, chocolate, MGD and swimming in the Pacific. Marty was a proud Marine and patriot. He was deliberate and discerning, hardworking and persistent.

Marty is survived by his wife of fifty years, Peggy; his daughters, Gail Russo-Larsson and Jill Russo Bergman and their spouses Theo and Michael respectively; his grandchildren, Nicolas, Mattias, Liliana and William; his sister Jean Hartwick; 2 nieces and 2 nephews; sisters/brothers-in law, Mary and Harry Pantoja, John and Joan Erdman. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald.

A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at noon at St. Killian’s Catholic Church, Mission Viejo. A Celebration of Life will follow at Lake Mission Viejo at 1:45 PM. Private interment at El Toro Memorial Park, Lake Forest. O’Connor Mortuary, Directors, 949-581-4300. www.oconnormortuary.com. Please Honor Marty’s life with a donation to The Leukemia/ Lymphoma Society or Operation Home Front.

Marty will be remembered for purposefulness, generosity and his silly grin.

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25 responses to Marty Russo

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  1. The Anthonys says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. May God bless you and give you strenght, comfort and peace.

    Love,

    Chip and Helena Anthony and Family

  2. Dina Tennant says:

    To the Family of Marty Russo;
    May the thoughts of sympathy help to ease your pain at this difficult time. He was a good man. During the 12 years that I worked at Mission Viejo Realty, Marty made sure that all of us there at the “office” got all our needs met, truly a great person both at the work place and public. God Bless you Marty.
    Milt and Dina Tennant

  3. Dear Peggy, Gail and Jill,

    I remember how warmly Marty and all of you welcomed me into your family. I hold the memories of the times with the Russos very dear. I am sorry for his passing and the loss you must feel. I will keep him in my prayers.

    Mary

  4. Sue Trimborn says:

    I’m so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. I only worked at MVC for four years, but have kept in touch with many of my old co-workersfor years and years, mostly through our precious Barbara Schone. I remember Marty’s laugh, and his spirit. He always had that little twinkle in his eye too! My best regards to your family at this difficult time.

    Love, Sue Trimborn

  5. Marty was such a big part of Mission Viejo Company and Mission
    Viejo Community. A wonderful man
    that always had time for us bean
    counters! He will be missed but
    has left a wonderful legacy in the
    community he loved so much.

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