Vincent J. Russo
December 1, 1936 – July 13, 2026
Vincent Joseph Russo, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on December 1, 1936, in Boston’s historic West End to Hon. Joseph and Anita (DiMare) Russo on their 7th wedding anniversary – a fitting beginning for a man whose life would be defined by his devotion to family.
Growing up a stone’s throw from the TD Garden, Vincent developed a lifelong love of sports. He played basketball with the George V. Brenner Association at the West End House (Boys Club of America) and played football at Boston College High School. He went on to earn a degree in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University in 1958.
Following graduation, Vincent launched a distinguished career with the U.S. Rubber Company, later known as Uniroyal Chemical. Over the years, he advanced through roles as an engineer, superintendent, and sales manager, ultimately retiring as the Director of Worldwide Purchasing. His career took his family across the country – with chapters in Naugatuck, CT; Joliet, IL; Dallas, TX; and Akron, OH – before finally settling in Woodbury, CT. Throughout his career, Vincent was respected for his intelligence, strong leadership, integrity, and unwavering work ethic.
Vincent proudly served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1954 to 1962. During his service, he was deployed to active duty and was stationed aboard the USS Miller during the Berlin Crisis.
Beyond his career, Vincent embraced life with passion and curiosity. For nearly 50 years, he shared his love of music as an active member of several barbershop harmony groups, singing with the chorus and serving as the lead in his quartet. He was also one of the foremost collectors of toy soldiers on the east coast, earning a reputation for his remarkable knowledge and expertise among collectors around the world.
A man of deep faith and community spirit, Vincent served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Teresa’s Parish and volunteered regularly at Waterbury Hospital. He enjoyed participating in cardiac rehabilitation, where his jokes and easygoing nature kept spirits high, and he looked forward to weekly meetings with the Silver Sluggers, sharing his love of baseball through lively conversations, current events, and trivia. He rarely missed the chance to cheer on the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Above all else, Vincent's greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Dorothy; his daughters, Dianne (Tim) Veley and Michele (Steve) Rupe; his grandchildren, Alexa (Andrew) Sampino, Preston and Carter Veley, Jackson Russo, and Joseph and Annalise Rupe; his great-granddaughter, Paige Elizabeth Sampino; his brother, Joseph A. (Pauline) Russo; his sister-in-law, Janet Grey; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his beloved son, Vincent Michael Russo; his parents, Joseph and Anita Russo; his brother, Hon. Domenic J.F. Russo; his sister-in-law, Rosemarie Russo; and his sister, Josephine Riley.
Vincent will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to family, generous spirit, and enduring curiosity. Whether leading a song, sharing stories about his travels and treasured toy soldiers, recounting family memories around the dinner table, cheering on his favorite teams, or lending a helping hand— he enriched the lives of everyone who knew him. His legacy of love, faith, service, and integrity will endure through the family he cherished and the countless people whose lives he touched.
Calling hours for Vincent will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School Street Woodbury from 4:00PM - 7:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at St Teresa of Avila, 494 Main Street South Woodbury at 11:00 AM, followed by Interment at New North Cemetery, 87 Washington Avenue Woodbury.
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