Michael J. Russano

michael russano

June 17, 1952 ~ February 12, 2024

Born in: Brooklyn, NY
Resided in: Selden, NY

On the morning of Monday, February 12, 2024, Michael John Russano, 71, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, passed away in Port Jefferson, NY after a hard-fought battle with Lewy body dementia. The oldest child of Salvatore and Irene (Heitmann) Russano, Mike was born on June 17, 1952 in Brooklyn, NY. He spent his career working for Middle Country and Patchogue-Medford School Districts, where he applied his Mr. Fix-It, Mr. Build-It, and Mr. Problem-Solver skills. But Mike will be most remembered for the profound joy he brought to the many people whose lives he touched. Together since 1986, Mike married the great love of his life, Grace Russano, in 1998, in a celebration that legally joined together their version of the Brady bunch family that they spent decades raising in Selden, NY (albeit with far fewer bathrooms). Mike’s humor and quick wit, easy smile, love of history and Jeopardy, and his penchant for singing the wrong song lyrics will forever live in our memories. Most of all, however, we will miss his fundamental kindness, his selflessness, his hugs and kisses, and the unconditional love he showered on anyone that was lucky enough to be able to call him their husband, dad, Pop Pop, son, brother, uncle, cousin, or friend.

In addition to his loving wife Grace, Mike is survived by his four children, Michael (Alona) Russano, Melissa (Ignacio) Rodriguez, Michael (Debbie) Hersh, and Nicole (Troy) Meiselbach, and his seven grandchildren, Mikaela, Caden, Ava, Gavin, Quinn, Gianna, and Landon. He is also survived by his mother Irene, and his six siblings Tom (Gisele) Russano, Phyllis (John) Browning, Linda (Darrell) Williams, Joe (Caroline) Russano, Deb (Vin) Bonagura, and Teresa Russano.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday, February 18th from 2-5pm and 7-9pm at Branch Funeral Home located at 190 E. Main Street, Smithtown, NY, 11787. A funeral mass will be held at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church at 33 Crown Acres Road, Centereach, NY 11720 on Monday, February 19th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in remembrance of Michael J. Russano to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org).

Services

Visitation: February 18, 2024 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Second Visitation: February 18, 2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Mass: February 19, 2024 11:00 am

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary R.C. Church
33 Crown Acres Rd.
CENTEREACH, NY 11720


Private- Cremation:

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Michael J. Russano 's name.

Lewy Body Dementia Assoc.

912 Killian Hill Rd. S.W.

Lilburn,

GA

www.lbda.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. candleLosing a brother is an unimaginable loss. May you find strength in the shared memories, and may his spirit guide you through the challenging days ahead.

  2. candleWhat a handsome man. To the entire family may God comfort you and give you peace knowing that Michael is resting peacefully.

  3. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. We are traveling and notable to give you hugs in person. Michael was so kind and made us laugh at the funeral of my father. I’m sure you will be able to find solace in humor as well.

  4. candleOur love and prayers are with the family of such an amazing son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and overall man. May God ease your heartfelt loss in the days ahead as He welcomes your loved one home to heaven.


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