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.