Roll Call Tribute

Published on yourfriendswoodnews.com from Apr. 18 to May 1, 2014

Raymond Russo
Raymond W. Russo Jr., 68, a devoted husband, father and grandfather of Friendswood, TX passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2014. He was born March 18, 1946 to Raymond W. Russo, Sr. and Mary E. Forster Russo in Houston, TX. He graduated from Jesse H. Jones High School in Houston, TX in 1964, and then attended Texas A&M University, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He worked for GTE from 1968 to 1997 in marketing and sales, finishing his career there as a successful district sales manager. He retired early to pursue hobbies and other interests. He then embarked on a second career in 1998 with Friendswood ISD's transportation department, moving to Pearland ISD as Assistant Transportation Director in 2009 until 2014. Ray was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church as a child with his family and various parishes throughout his life within the Houston-Galveston Diocese. He has been a member of Mary Queen Catholic Church since 1979. He married Linda K. Rumph on June 3, 1966 and together they had 4 daughters, Regina, Dena, Theresa and Mary. He was an avid baseball fan, player and volunteer coach for many years. He was an Optimist Club member and volunteer for many years in the 1970's and 1980's. Raymond was active in band and sports booster clubs at Friendswood High School in support of his children and grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and their music and sports activities. Ray enjoyed family life more than anything else. His second most enjoyable hobby and passion were landscape design, installation and maintenance. He also enjoyed grilling ribs, cooking out, designing and painting holiday yard art. Ray was a very funny, silly guy, who loved his family, friends and co-workers by always sharing laughter with them; always giving everyone a nickname, serenading them with silly songs created just for them, and he loved to play pranks and tease to get people to smile. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He had a gift for making people feel comfortable and welcome, loved children and was genuinely concerned for all kids' safety and well-being, and was a true and good friend to many people. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda, his daughters, Regina L. Russo and husband Scott C. Swann of Colleyville, TX; Dena M. Russo and Lynda J. Willis of Lake Charles, LA; Theresa K. Russo and husband Benny F. Castro of Friendswood, TX, and Mary K. Russo and husband William K. Sanders of Pearland, TX; grandchildren, Anthony M. Swann, Gillian E. Swann, Kelsey M. Castro Pirrello and David Pirrello, Gabriella K. Castro, Katelyn E. Sanders, Kyle E. Sanders, and Kaleb E. Sanders; sister, Colleen Russo Alderman and brother-in-law Donald Alderman and their family of Houston, TX. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and two aunts. Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with the Vigil and Rosary service beginning at 7:00 P.M. at the Jeter Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546 (281) 992-7200 with Rev. Benny Thadathilkunnel officiating. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at the Mary Queen Catholic Church, 606 Cedarwood, Friendswood, TX 77546 with Rev. Benny Thadathilkunnel officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the Russo family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.