Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

Victor Joseph Russo was born in 1931, in Buffalo, New York, to Sarafina and Salvatore Russo. He was the youngest of seven children. His parents came to this country from Sicily in 1912. His father worked in the construction business while his mother raised the children. Sarafina's children were the "little chicks" and Victor became known around the neighborhood as "Chickie." He started working in the restaurant business by the age of 13. Sarafina had a great influence on Victor's spirit and energy in life. He held a great love of big band and jazz music, singing and dancing throughout his life. His great friend from grade school, Charlie Gallo, remembers how the girls would line up to dance with "Chickie." They went to dances to hear big bands play swing jazz almost every night. Victor's other dear friend from the early days in Buffalo was Boris Vanoff, who remained a life long confidante.

In his early 20's, Victor moved to Cleveland to be closer to his cousins Rocky and John. One day, while managing a restaurant, he met his future wife, Natalie Bucco. The couple married and a year later, welcomed their first born, Victor. Their second child, Susan, was also born in Cleveland a couple of years later. Victor worked hard in the restaurant business, even singing at the piano bar for patrons. He had many friends and made so many customers smile with energy he shared through his favorite songs. When Natalie moved with the children to Los Angeles, Victor soon followed. The couple's third child, Laura, was born in Los Angeles as they started a new life together in California.

A few years later, when Victor took his son to start kindergarten, he bumped into his old friend, Boris Vanoff, who was with his son, Michael. From that day in 1964 until Boris passed away last year, they remained the closest of friends. It was a great comfort to Victor and Boris that their sons, too, became dear friends. In the 1960's and early 70's, Victor continued to work in the restaurant business and then opened his bartending school, "Your Host," in Hollywood. He continued to enjoy his family and friends, while being devoted to his wife and children. Victor was drawn into the world of performing and entertaining because he found it very fulfilling. He liked making people smile and his audience would applaud every song. While Natalie and Victor grew apart and divorced, he carried a picture of her in his wallet until the day he died. They remained good friends throughout the years.

Victor maintained a close relationship with his three children and continued to work in the restaurant business. He enjoyed his spare time with friends such as Alan Fusco, Joe Valino, Patrick Tuzzolino, Joe Lucero, Victor Andrade, and Steve Dalois. In 1983, he was thrilled to travel to Italy with his son and their friend Joe Vilardi. They visited Sicily and went to Salvatore's birthplace, walking around the cobblestone streets where Salvatore grew up. He visited with distant relatives and was able to communicate "through the heart" with his cousins, even though he couldn't speak Italian. It was an amazing trip of treasured memories.

Victor Russo was blessed with five grandchildren: Tino, Renee, Victoria, Catherine, and Geoffrey. He was known as Pop Pop to his grandchildren who were always showered with his hugs and kisses. Victor's devotion to his children and grandchildren increased as he got older and he savored every moment with them. He had a very full life as he also spent time at the Grandsons of Italy Social Club. He looked forward to the Saturday afternoon get togethers with his friends Charlie Gallo, Boris Vanoff and John Antonucci; his cousin's son John Eule; and his dear friends Pat Allman, Dr. Joe Trucillo, Mike Perrota, Rick, and Vern. He also made new friends such as Vinnie Corbo and John Murgo. These were people who were so very good to him during his last days.

Victor will best be remembered as showing up with his portable microphone to sing a song, tell a story or simply spread good cheer. He loved to laugh and believed that every moment was meant to be enjoyed and savored. He loved a good meal, a drink and a good time. He wanted everyone to enjoy laughter and music while wishing everyone love and happiness. Victor Russo was a positive thinker with a song in his heart and great affection for all his family and friends. His family will miss his unconditional love and his positive influence on their lives. Victor was so proud of his children and grandchildren. Singing until the end of his days, Victor's love of music will carry through for generations to come.