Gerald "Jerry" Russo
Of Revere passed away on January 23, 2021. Son of the late Vincent Russo and Mary Russo (Longo). Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eileen Russo (Cardello), and two children; son Jay Russo and his wife Kerri of Middleton and daughter Danielle Nickerson and her husband Steve of Georgetown, MA. “Papa” was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren; two granddaughters Rylie and Casey Nickerson, and four grandsons, Cameron, Colten, Alex, and Tanner Russo.
Jerry grew up in Everett and graduated from Everett High School in 1960. He was a legendary, two-sport athlete in high school, starring in both baseball and basketball. He was a member of the famed 1959 Everett High School basketball team that captured the Class A Tech Tournament championship before a crowd of over 13,000 at the Boston Garden. After it’s Tech Tourney title, the Crimson Tide basketball team competed in the New England Tournament and recorded a stunning upset over Wilbur Cross of New Haven, CT, which ended their 46 game win streak. It was considered the biggest upset in the history of the New Englands. This Crimson Tide team was considered one of the best teams in the history of Everett High School basketball. In 2011, the Everett School Committee honored the 1959 Everett High School basketball team for their accomplishments.
Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Eileen Cardello (Russo), in 1963 and raised his family in Revere. He was a dedicated and loving husband and father. Jerry attended Northeastern University and served in the National Guard (Army). He spent the majority of his business career working for Polaroid Corp. in Cambridge and Waltham. His favorite role was within the “Replica” division where he had the opportunity to re-produce limited edition artwork and work with sports legends including Bobby Orr and Larry Bird.
Family was Jerry’s passion and purpose in life. He loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed hosting pool parties and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Jerry was a fixture at hockey rinks, softball fields, and other sporting venues throughout New England, first watching his children play sports and then his grandchildren. He could always be spotted at games in his signature ‘cappola’ (scally cap). His grandchildren know that “Papa” will always be at their games, it was simply his favorite thing to do. Nothing made Jerry happier than his six beautiful grandchildren. His smile and enthusiasm for his grandchildren was incredible. He leaves quite a legacy!
Jerry was a gentle, sweet, kind and compassionate man. He had an “easy-going” disposition that was infectious and pure. Jerry was a hero and role model to his children. Jerry was more than a nice guy, he made lasting impressions on people. Everyone loved Jerry. He was simply one of a kind.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 8 at Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main Street, Everett. Visitation will be held from 11:00 to 1:00 pm. A Prayer Service will immediately follow in the funeral home at 1:00 pm. Due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to adhere to the CDC and the Massachusetts guidelines; social distancing and mask are required. We also will be implementing a 10 person occupancy. Please see for any questions: www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-prevention-and-treatment.
A springtime Mass will be held on Sunday, May 30th, 2021 on Jerry’s 80th Birthday at 10 AM at St. Rose Church, 12 Park Street, Topsfield, MA. A “Celebration of Life” brunch will be held following the Mass details to follow.
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