John H. Russo,76 of loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend, died peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2014, at Westchester Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Sharon St. Jean Russo; his brother, Jim Russo, and his wife, Ann; nieces Molly Russo and Gabriela St. Jean; nephews Matthew, Anthony and Daniel Russo, Zachary and Logan St. Jean, and Jason Coughlin. John was born in the Bronx on March 27, 1938 to John L. and Carmela Russo. He was educated at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, Danbury State Teachers’ College (later Western Connecticut State University), and received his Master’s degree from Fairfield University. In addition to intellectual pursuits, John was active in sports. Before moving to Brookfield at 20, he played basketball for the Morgan Stanley league in Manhattan, and in college in Danbury. John was also recognized as one of the most outstanding fast-pitch softball pitchers in the area. John was a published poet, whose topics varied from walking on the beach, to remembrances of New York, to love. He was driven to express himself through poetry because he felt that “Love is a delicate expression of feelings and thoughts that can be shared through words.” As a special education teacher for 37 years in the Newtown School system, he touched the lives of many. In retirement he became known as “Walking John” to his friends and neighbors, and was the de facto “mayor” of his condominium complex, giving advice, providing support and always lending a helping hand. Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and again from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, Conn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, also in Newtown. Disposition of ashes will be made later at the discretion of the family. Memorial Donations may be made to Save the Children, at http://www.savethechildren.org/.

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