Ronald Robert Russo

A Celebration of Life for Ronald Robert “R.R.” Russo, 77, of Madison, will be at 3 PM Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Davis-Babcock Funeral Home, 4154 Clark Ave., Willoughby.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 PM on Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Ronald passed away May 13, 2024, surrounded by his friends and family.

He was born October 21, 1946 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

Ronald served in The United States Army as a 91H mechanized track mechanic from 1965-1968 and afterwards, in June of 1970, as a Brakeman for Pennsylvania Central Railroad, ConRail (Brakeman and Conductor), and retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad June of 2007 as a Conductor. Through his 37 years with the Railroad, he spent a large majority of his career on the road (and the large majority of it with ConRail) but always worked to get back home with his family.

The old man was an avid Martial Artist: Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, and he was a 3rd degree Black Belt in Judo and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Karate with a combined 60 years of Martial Arts training. He was one beast of a runner back in his day and had arms like tree trunks. Up into his late 60’s he could and would out-lift folks in their 30’s but would always take the time to teach others proper form.

Like most families, we had our ups and downs but the good always outweighed the bad. Early on, living on the East Side of Cleveland had its challenges especially during the recession of the early 1980’s when times were tight, but through hard work and perseverance, he was able to move all of us away to greener pastures and greater opportunity.

Ronald and Vincenza were married on December 6,1975 and celebrated their 48th Wedding Anniversary in 2023.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Vincenza (Barcellona) Russo; children, Franco (Toni) Russo, Barbara Russo, and Michael Russo; grandchildren, Margret, Isabella, Emily, and Carina Russo, Samantha and Nicholas Habat, and Christian and Nathaniel Scozzie, and Delilah Russo; siblings, Diane (Walter) Ventrice, Dale Russo, and Lori (Jim) Hardy; he also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Anthony Russo and his parents, Victor and Estelle (Ferreira) Russo.

Interment will be at 12:45 PM Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, OH 44273.