Obituary of Michael A. Russo

Michael "Sonny" Russo, 83, of Howell, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, proud father, grandfather, great grandfather and cherished friend, Sonny lived a life full of love, laughter, food and adventure.

Born on July 23, 1941, in New York, Sonny was the beloved son of Michael and Blanche Russo. He was predeceased by his sister Lorraine Pabon of Brick, New Jersey. He later moved to Toms River, where fate introduced him to the love of his life, Joan. Their marriage spanned an incredible 63 years, filled with deep love, shared memories, and unwavering devotion.

Sonny had a strong work ethic and retired in 2001 after a successful career as a manager in New York City. Though he took pride in his work, his true passions were found at home, the flea market and abroad. He deeply loved his family, cherished every gathering, enjoyed a good meal, and had a zest for life that often took him to the open seas—he was an avid cruiser who found joy and peace in traveling the world by ship.

To know Sonny was to know someone who made you feel welcome, valued, and  loved. His warmth, sense of humor, and big heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He is survived by his loving wife Joan, sons Michael and his wife Pamela, Jeffrey and his fiancé Teresa, grandchildren Christopher, Meghan, Nicholas, Justin, Kimberly and a wide circle of friends and extended family who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Sonny’s life will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton Adelphia Road (Route 524) Freehold Township on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:30 AM Funeral Mass on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Entombment will follow in St. Gabriel’s Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum, 549 Newman Springs Road, Marlboro. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages to the family please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to The Father Benedict Fund, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold, New Jersey.