Peacefully at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital on January 4, 2014, Joseph John Russo, of Glencoe in his 84th year. Loving husband of 60 years to Margaret A. Russo (“Peggy” nee Dicker). Joseph was the only child to Joseph and Teresa (Reid) Russo. He will be missed by his children, Peter (Barb) Russo of Huron Park and Suzanne Russo (Patrick O’Donald) of Strathroy. He was a special Papa Joe to his grandchildren William Chapman, Deanna (Gerald) Edwards and Michael Ford and to his great-grandchildren Taylor & Harley Edwards and Aliya & McKenna Ford. Joseph is also remembered by his sisters-in-law Betty (Bill) McFarlane and Dorothy Dicker and is pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Tom Dicker. Joseph was a past Deputy Fire Chief for the Glencoe Fire Department, of which he served for 26 years. He was instrumental in the start-up of St. Charles Catholic Elementary School in Glencoe, and served on the Catholic School Board and the Quad County School Board. He and his wife Peggy owned and operated the Russo Shoe Store in Glencoe where Joe loved working in the store. He loved people and he had a dry wit and liked to joke. He loved a game of pool, with his brother-like friend, Ken Reycraft. He enjoyed his garden very much and was also always on for a game of cards. Many thanks to the staff and Doctors at Four Counties Health Services and Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital for the wonderful care that Joe received. Cremation has taken place and as per Joe’s wishes a private, family graveside service will be held at a later date with interment at Oakland Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association or to the charity of your choice through Van Heck Funeral Home, Glencoe.
