Santo “Sandy” Russo
Saturday, June 18, 1932
Date of Death:
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Age:
92 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday April 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Memorial Mass
Date: Thursday April 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Preston [ view map ]
Saturday, June 18, 1932
Date of Death:
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Age:
92 years old
Saturday, June 18, 1932
Date of Death:
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Age:
92 years old
Santo “Sandy” Russo
Santo “Sandy” Salvadore Russo (92) of Rochester made a peaceful departure from our world to Heaven on March 29, 2025, ending a remarkable life that was filled with love, devotion, compassion, and many wonderful memories. Sandy passed away at Willows & Waters where he lived for the past year and a half. Sandy remained graceful and dignified while battling the challenges that come with being 92 years old, a remarkable feat.
Sandy was born on June 18, 1932 to Concetta and Carmello Russo, in Johnstown, New York. Santo earned a scholarship to play basketball at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. After college, Santo was drafted into the US Army in 1954 and served as a Teletype Operator until 1956. Upon being discharged from the Army, Sandy began teaching and coaching in Long Island, New York where he met Shirley Rauch. They were united in marriage on August 27, 1959. Sandy’s teaching career would eventually lead him to Mayo High School in Rochester. He was a business teacher, and he coached football and baseball. He was very much loved by his students and all that new him. In addition to teaching and coaching he was quite active in several organizations such as: Knights of Columbus, Rochester Rotary Tournaments, PossAbilities, Rochester Winter Fest, Lions Club, and numerous athletic tournaments. He was very passionate about and very dedicated to every organization that he was involved in.
Sandy was very proud of his Italian heritage, and everyone loved his famous homemade Italian meals. Sandy and his family traveled around the world to places such as Norway, Turkey, Thailand, the Holy Land, India, Italy, and so many more. Sandy loved camping, traveling, hiking, and he was an avid golfer and never missed a Lions Charity Golf Tournament. He was dedicated and so enthusiastic about going to morning breakfast and coffee with his golf buddies at HyVee South. In addition, he earned many awards for his community and school involvement. Some of his awards include Leader Dog For The Blind – Founders Tribute, The Lions Club Milestone Chevron Award for completing 25 years of service with the Lions Club, and the Southeast Minnesota All Sports Reunion’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Jung Soo Lee “Lee” and he is survived by his wife, Shirley Russo, and his son Blake Russo.
Nothing gave Sandy greater joy than being with Blake and Lee. Sandy and Blake would attend many athletic events such as baseball games, football games, basketball games, and tournaments, as well as many other community functions. When they were together you could see and feel the joy and love they shared for each other. He will be remembered for his sweet smile, kind deeds, his passion and unconditional love for Blake and friends. Sandy’s last meal was with his son, Blake.
Sandy was genuinely sweet, kind, compassionate, caring, and sharing. He was a big-hearted man who would make way to help whoever needed it, without ever expecting a single thing in return.
He truly was a great example of a devoted and loving father, and he was a true friend to many.
A special thank you to Willows & Waters for the extraordinary care they provided Sandy.
Services will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church (Rochester) on Thursday, April 24 at 11am. A visitation will take place from 10am to 11am.
Sandy’s interment will be at the Preston Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota.
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Condolences
The family of Santo “Sandy” Russo has received the following condolences.
It was an honor to care for Mr. Russo. An amazing man with outstanding accomplishments in his lifetime. Fly high my friend.
Shirley, and Blake,
We were sad to see that "sandbugger" passed but rejoice in his life with Christ!! He was a great man and our families had a lot of fun together!!
Take care of each other!
Sending hugs & prayers to you!!
The Hoisington s
I knew Coach Russo from my days at Mayo High School.He was a real good guy!
Dear Mrs. Russo and family- I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will pray for you all. I haven't seen you since LHS but you were a wonderful lady and someone I looked up to. Peace and love to you and your family. 🙏 Jeanne (Trusty) Vehrenkamp LHS class of 74
My dad taught at Mayo with Mr Russo and they were good friends. My thoughts and prayers are with the Russo family. RIP Coach Russo. 😞🙏💔
Dear Shirley, I am so sorry to hear about your husband passing.
you’ve been together for so long. I know it will be a sad adjustment.
Sandy can rest in Gods peace now.
with love & condolences, Connie
Sandy was one of the best teachers I have ever had. He took the time to show me he truly cared and helped me gain confidence in all areas of my life. I would not be where I am today in business and in relationships with others without his help and guidance. Truly a kind soul and he will be missed by many. God Bless your family
Joe Powers
Dear Shirley
I am sorry to learn of your husband Sandy, death. Sending you caring thoughts. May treasured times and memories be of comfort to you.
in Sympathy 💐
Maggie —Kerry’s Mom
Remember Sandy as wonderful father and neighbor and teacher.
Dear Shirley,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of growing up on 3rd Avenue and Sandy’s kind smile as well as your beautiful family. Sending love and sympathy.
Shirley,
sorry for the loss of your husband. Sounds like he was a wonder husband.
your mother Lucille helped my mother ( Hilda Martinek ) weave rugs in LeRoy MN. Your mother always dressed nicely and lived her smile.
sorry to read you had lost your daughter too.
i hope I have the correct person?
sincerely,
Helen Miner-Brinks
is your brother Keith still living?
By far the best teacher and the most caring individual I have had the pleasure to know. As a high school student he helped me find my first job, helped me maneuver through the scariest times of making the big step to life after high school, and always had a listening ear with great advice to follow! May you rest in peace Mr. Russo!
Mr. Russo had a profound impact upon my "athletic life". Sixty or so years ago he was my first coach. Park & Recreation League baseball at the ball field surrounded by the cinder track at Soldiers Memorial Field. Always kind, thoughtful, inspiring, and gentle in dealing with an eclectic crew of SW kids.
Years later, beginning in 1969, our paths crossed frequently at Mayo High School. Mr. Russo along with Mr. Massey and Mr. Tompkins were present for virtually every home and away basketball game and provided, along with my parents, a comforting encouraging presence.
Since graduating from high school our lives would occasionally intersect, usually at a Mayo sporting event or Sunday Mass at St. John's Catholic Church. He would warmly greet me and always called me "Kev".
The obituary photograph visually captures the essence of one of my heroes, Mr. Russo.
Kevin A. Lund
Sorry to hear about Sandy he and my dad Chuck enjoyed their days in the big room at willows and waters remembering korea and some sporting events my mom Rose worked with Sandy at Mayo high school and chuck and Sandy remembered