Charles Anthony Russo

Mr. Charles Anthony Russo, age 83, of Commerce, GA died Friday, February 13, 2009 at his residence. Mr. Russo was born November 4, 1925 in Highland Falls, NY. He was the son of the late Charles A. and Frances Roser Russo. He was a member of St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Mission. Mr. Russo was a loving husband, father, and a career United States Marine Corp veteran. In addition to his parents, Mr. Russo was preceded in death by his son, Charles Russo, II.Mr. Russo started his military career on November 10, 1942 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He went through basic recruit training, advanced infantry training and field artillery and anti-aircraft gun school. Then he served in the Asiatic Pacific from March 12, 1943 – November 12, 1945. Charles was wounded in action April 1, 1945. He participated in action on Okinawa from April 1, 1945 – April 14, 1945 and Eniwetok from February 24, 1944 – March 2, 1944. He was awarded the Certificate of Satisfactory Service and Good Conduct Medal on November 9, 1945. On January 23, 1946 Charles received the Certificate of Honorable and Satisfactory Service in WWII active duty rank of Corporal. Charles and Mary were married in June of 1947. In March of 1953 he was recalled to active duty and made the decision to become a career Marine. Charles served as Staff Sergeant with the American Land Forces Middle-East Lebanon in 1958. In January of 1963 he was awarded the Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal (Asia) and National Defense Service Medal. Charles completed four tours of duty in Vietnam, attained rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) and retired in July of 1973, having served honorably for 28 years and 6 months.Mr. Russo is survived by his wife, Marion Bopp Russo of Commerce, GA; sons, David M. Russo, Sr, owner of New Age Hearing Aid Center, and Leo J. Russo both of Commerce; brother, David Sherman of Cornwall, NY; sister, Nancy Shiner of FL; grandchildren, Kimberly Kay Russo and David M. Russo, II; great-grandchildren, Carley Russo and Aaryah Russo.A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 AM, Monday, February 16, 2009 at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Mission with Father Liem Nguyen officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at 6 PM followed by a vigil service at 7 PM on Sunday, February 15 at the funeral home. \r\n