Mario Emanuel Russo Jr.

April 21, 1937 – August 30, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Mario Emanuel Russo Jr., who departed this life on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the age of 88.

Mario was born on April 21, 1937, in Staten Island, New York, to Mario and Julia Russo and was raised there. Over the years, he made his home in several cherished places: he resided for 40 years in Warren, New Jersey, lived later in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and for the past year called Long Valley, New Jersey, his home. He also spent countless joyful days at the family’s vacation home in Sag Harbor, Long Island, affectionately known to him as “Happy Land.”

After graduating from New Dorp High School in Staten Island, he pursued higher learning at Rutgers University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in History. Mario’s distinguished career as a computer specialist began at Chase Manhattan Bank, followed by roles at American Standard and Johnson & Johnson, before returning to Chase Manhattan Bank, where he retired as Vice President in 1988.

His creativity shone through his beloved hobby of building dollhouses, from crafting a single handmade dollhouse for his daughter to creating intricate miniature homes for many. A devoted classical music aficionado, Mario was a Philharmonic subscriber for 13 years, regularly attending performances in New York City with family and friends. He was also a former communicant of Our Lady of the Mount Church in Warren, New Jersey.

Mario is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy Russo; his children, Pamela FJ Powers (and husband Scott Powers) and Steven Michael Russo (and fiancée Shannon Slater); his beloved grandchildren, Logan, Kassandra, and Madison; and his dear sister, Maria G. Russo. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Zoe Miranda Powers, who passed in 2003.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Mount Church, 170 Mountain Blvd., Warren, NJ 07059. Immediately following the Mass, entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation, located at 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, New Jersey 07860, the nonprofit organization that supports compassionate hospice and palliative care services in our community.