James C. Russo

James Carmen Russo (Jim), a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2025. Jim, son of the late James and Eleanor Russo, was born in 1958 in Pittsburgh Hospital. He graduated from Plum Senior High School in 1976, and was a long-time resident of Plum Borough. After high school, Jim went on to work for his father in the family excavating business for twenty years. He went on to hold various contractor jobs prior to joining the Union of Operating Engineers (Local 95). 

Jim married the love of his life, Mary Lynn, on October 6, 1990 and spent 34 years together, raising two daughters in which he described as "the best time of his life." He dedicated many years with his wife working on various home improvements, creating a beautiful home for his family. 

From a young age, Jim was a mechanic and lover of cars, trucks, and heavy equipment. He could impressively name the year of a muscle car just by looking at the taillights, although his truck of choice was always a Ford, built tough like him.

If you were Jim’s true friend or relative, it was likely that he assisted you with a car diagnostic, moved you to or from your apartment or house, or was a listening ear with sound advice. Because he loved his family and friends fiercely, he worked very hard to provide anything they needed.

His favorite activities included attending antique car and tractor shows, races at Lernerville Speedway with his cousin, bowling in a league at Nesbit’s Lanes, spending hours on the phone with whomever had the time to catch up, and having a good meal surrounded by loved ones. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn, his daughters Antonette (Chad) Medved and Marissa Russo, and his siblings Rick (Susie) Russo, Vincent Russo, and Gina (Joe) Sonafelt, and five nieces and nephews. 

Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Edward Church, Christ the King Parish, Blawnox.  Everyone is asked to please meet at the church.  Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Arnold.  To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.