Fr. Thomas Russo

(1929 - January 21, 2004)

Obituary published Saturday, January 24, 2004

Rev. Thomas A. Russo Services will be Monday for Rev. Thomas Russo, O.S.J., who died Wednesday at the Oblates of St. Joseph in Santa Cruz. He was 74.

A native of El Centro, the Rev. Russo began his studies for the priesthood after graduating from high school. He attended the minor seminary in Santa Cruz and later the Theological School of Washington, D.C., and the Ottawa Seminary in Canada. He was ordained a priest in 1956. He began his ministry in Pennsylvania and began his ministry there before moving to California.

While in California, the Rev. Russo served in Loomis at Mount St. Joseph Novitiate and in Sacramento at St. Mary’s Parish. He also served the communities of Madera at St. Joachim’s Church, Bass Lake at St. Dominic’s Church and in Santa Cruz at the Shrine of St. Joseph, where he has lived on and off for 35 years.

At the time of his death, he was the chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 971 in Santa Cruz. While in Sacramento, he served as chaplain for the local police force and was a highly-regarded spiritual director of the Oblates of St. Joseph community.

He enjoyed photography and reading. Until he became sick, the Rev. Russo also had a passion for riding and admiring motorcycles.

He is survived by sisters Catherine Russo of San Francisco, Margie Burke of Aptos and Maxine Lindquist of Ottawa, Canada; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a niece.

A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 7 p.m. Sunday at the Shrine of St. Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, 544 W. Cliff Drive. A Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Shrine of St. Joseph, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Contributions are preferred to the Oblates of St. Joseph Priest Ministries Overseas, for the benefit of orphaned and ill children, c/o Shrine of St. Joseph Provincial Office, 544 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Arrangements are by Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel.