Thomas Joseph Russo

1953 - 2014

Thomas Joseph Russo obituary, 1953-2014, Mclean, VA

BORN

1953

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

National Funeral Home

7482 Lee Highway

Falls Church, Virginia

Thomas Russo Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 24, 2014.

Thomas Joseph Russo, 60, of McLean, VA, passed away on Friday, January 24, surrounded by his family. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of more than 37 years, Stephanie, children Katie Burkert (Jason), Dan Russo, Annie Pavia (CJ), and Joe Russo, and grandson, Levi Thomas Burkert. He is also survived by brothers Jack and Rudy, sisters Marilyn and Janice, his wife's parents Howie and Rita Meyer, and a large, loving extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ann Russo, of Norristown, PA.

Tom was born in Norristown, PA. He attended Georgetown University where he met his wife Stephanie and graduated with a BS in Accounting in 1975. Tom, a friend of Georgetown for 40 years and the 2013 Georgetown Businessman of the Year, owned local favorite Chadwicks Restaurants in Georgetown and Old Town, Alexandria.

Tom coached youth baseball and basketball for more than 30 years in Annandale and McLean, VA. He helped to raise hundreds of thousands for DC charities as a member of the Bartenders' Ball Foundation, serving as chair in 1987. Tom was a familiar face at St. John's Academy in McLean, VA for 17 years while his children attended the school and was honored, along with his wife Stephanie, as the St. John's Academy inaugural People of the Year in 2004.

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29, from 5-8pm, at National Funeral Home in Falls Church, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 11am at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church in McLean, VA. Donations can be made in Tom's name to The V Foundation for Cancer Research (www.jimmyv.org), or to Life With Cancer (www.lifewithcancer.org). More Info log onto www.nationalfh-mp.com

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September 4, 2014

I am at a loss for words. i just read Tom's name on the Georgetown Alumni Reunion website as having passed away. I last saw Russ at the last reunion. I told him that he better go visit the homeland before i saw him again at the next reunion. Who knew that day would never come. I am so glad he listened to me(for once) and made the trip. Russ was a good man, He will be sorely missed at the next year's reunion. I miss him already. My deepest condolences and prayers to his family. Pat Patrissi

April 8, 2014

I just saw his name on the church website. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Stephanie has been so blessed.

February 23, 2014

As the one month anniversary of Tom's death approaches, please know you continue to be in our hearts and prayers.

February 5, 2014

Paul Maloof

To the Russo Family,
Tom and I were classmates at Georgetown. He was always a wonderful guy to be around. We will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss.
Paul Maloof

February 3, 2014

God bless his dear family.

February 2, 2014

carol uher

Dear Steph and Family,
Great pictures of Tom, you and the Family. Many of those pictures remind me of Ron, our 4 "kids" and I (Disney & all). We will be going to Disney in May w 3 of the "adults",Ha! I'm sure I will be thinking of you guys. It was a great pleasure to meet you and Tom on our Tour.We all had a Great time together.It is a reminder not to take people, or anything, for granted and live life to the fullest each day. It appears Tom was ahead of the game! Our prayers are with you all.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Love,


Carol, Ron and Family









Love,

Carol

February 1, 2014

Pam Brooks

To the Russo family,
My son Christopher worked at Chadwick's.Georgetown for six and a half years. I had the good
fortune to meet and get to know Tom on my visits to DC. What a sweet and sincere soul he was and so very good to my son. He had a profound effect on Christopher and gave him an opportunity to work for him when Christopher moved to DC. Christopher loves Tom very much and his passing has been very difficult for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

January 31, 2014

Dan & Tracey Callahan

To the Russo family:
Our entire family sends our deepest sympathy. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

January 29, 2014

Dear Stephanie and the Russo Family,

I only know Stephanie through my semi-annual visits to Dr. Hinkle's office. Yet, that brief few minutes every six months has been enough for me to be deeply touched by Stephanie's love and caring for her husband.

Dear Stephanie, I am so sorry for your loss.

Jim Kendrall

January 29, 2014

My daughter and I feel blessed to have known Tom and to have shared his friendship, smile and kindness. He was a wonderful and gentle man who will be greatly missed. Patti and Katie Woodside

January 29, 2014

Jean Godla

Dear Stephanie and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Looking through all of the loving pictures you posted, it is heartbreaking to think that you are now without Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you learn to negotiate your lives without him. Love, The Godla Family

January 29, 2014

To the Russo family.
I wish you strength in this most difficult time. I have been in the Chadwicks family for 20 years and came to know tom while at the Old Town location. He was always generous with advice and very much helped impart some work ethic that is still with me. He also donated to my benefit show that last few years.
He is a great man and will be missed.

Pete Bergen

January 29, 2014

Dear Stephanie,
We are so very sad to hear of Tom's death. He was always a gentleman of the highest order. Our entire family sends our deepest sympathy,
Celeste and Howard Sidman

January 28, 2014

Joe and Kathy Wagner

Stephanie and Family,

Our daughter, Beanie, always spoke of Tom with respect, admiration, and appreciation for his generosity and kindness. She has been so fortunate to be part of the Russo's circle of friends. Our sincerest condolences to your family.

January 28, 2014

Dear Russo Family,
We are all so sorry to learn that Tom has passed away. We hope it is of some comfort to know that Tom and your entire family are very much in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless

The Burkes (mike, rosemary, michael, bernadette, jack, cecelia, lillie and joe)

January 28, 2014

Suzanne Goldberg

My late husband was a regular Thursday "Turkey Day" goer with the gang from Jorden Burt. He just loved talking sports with Tom. When my husband got sick we moved from DC to Plymouth MA. The last time we were in was the fall of 2012. Tom was a class act.

January 28, 2014

Absara and John Rogosch

Dear Stephanie: We are very sad to hear the news of Tony's passing and we send you our deep condolences. We know how difficult these past months must have been for you and your children. Although we never met Tony, as we review the photos of your life together, it's clear what joyful, loving relations you all shared. We are thinking of you. Absara and John Rogosch

January 28, 2014

Whitney (Dunning) Hardy

As my father so eloquently mentioned in his entry, the love and support shown to our family by the Russo Family when my father was ill will never be forgotten, nor can words express how much it meant at the time, and still does. Mr. Russo was a wonderful man, which is clearly evidenced by how wonderful Danny, Katie, Annie, and Joey are. Russos, please know that my love, thoughts, and prayers are with you. Love you all.

January 28, 2014

Dear Steph and Joey and Annie and Russo family,
We are all saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Susan, Brian and Melissa Belardi

January 28, 2014

Christina Clearwater

Dear Stephanie and family:

I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and keep you all during this sad time.

With sympathy,

January 28, 2014

Heather Nester

Dear Stephanie and Family,
There are no words...my heart goes out to you all, may the Peace of Our Lord be your comfort through this sad, sad season.

January 28, 2014

Dear Stephanie,

We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our most sincerest condolences.

Joan and Hector Negroni

January 28, 2014

Amy Medeiros

Dear Stephanie: I was so sorry to hear about your husband's passing. He was very lucky to have you in his life (and as you were to have him). Please know that I am thinking of you, and keeping you in my prayers.

Amy Medeiros

January 28, 2014

Iris Beckwith

Stephanie,
My thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Although I never met Tom, through my contact with you at Dr. Hinkle's office, I have come to understand what a special man he was to you and your family. I know he will be greatly missed.

January 28, 2014

Margot Lapas

Dear Stephanie,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts.
Margot and Harry Lapas

January 28, 2014

Matthew Nikolajevic

Mr. Russo, thank you for your generosity, kindness, and guidance. I am very grateful, that as a young man I had the opportunity to know you. Like so many, I am certain that I am a better person for it.

My deepest condolences to the Russo family.

January 28, 2014

I've known Tom for many years, not just from working down the street and frequenting his fine establishment, but through his friend, and my uncle, Nick von Spaeth, who owned the end barstool in G'town for many years. Tom's welcoming smile, warmth and genuine happiness to see every face that walked in the door was enough to make anyone's day.

My thoughts are with you all. What a heartbreaking loss to Stephanie and the kids, to Georgetown, to his Chadwick's family and all of us in his extended Chadwick's family. He has been, and will continue to be, dearly missed.

Chris Hill

January 28, 2014

Callista and Newt Gingrich

Dear Stephanie,

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Callista and Newt

January 28, 2014

Stephanie, we're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Barb & Don Hutchins

January 28, 2014

My condolences to the Russo Family on your lost. I've worked in Georgetown for 16 years and when my co-workers and I would visit Chadwicks, we were greeted by Tom with a hug or a peck on the cheek. From this, I could tell that he was a genuine Family man because he extended his care and concern to his customers. He will be truly missed. I pray God's continued blessings upon you and your Family, Mrs. Russo.

Teresa N. Carroll

January 28, 2014

Jeannette Cobbs-Smith

My deepest sympathy to the Russo family and the Chadwicks family during this time of sorrow. Tom was a blessing to many. When crossing the threshold of Chadwicks, Tom was there to greet you with a handshake or a peck on the cheek. He was an awesome person and will be greatly missed!

January 27, 2014

Mimi Smith

Katie, Jason and family--It is with the deepest sadness that I learned of your father's passing. In this time of much sorrow, I hope that God will give you his peace and strength in the coming days. My heart goes out to all of you. God bless you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

January 27, 2014

Brenda Lipson

I've worked at Washington Harbour for 19 years, and have spent many happy hours (and Happy Hours) with friends at Chadwick's. Tom made the atmosphere special, and always treated his customers as personal friends. He was a very special person, and has left us far too soon. He lived a joyous life, and knew how to spread the joy. He will certainly be missed.

January 27, 2014

I first met Tom and Stephanie through our children. When I faced my own health issues years ago, Tom and Stephanie were incredibly kind to and supportive of my family. That will never be forgotten. God bless both of you. Tom and I shared a love of basketball and I still smile when I recall his son Joe's "welcome to my world" comment at a basketball practice as Tom "explained" to our young sons and their teammates the importance of going after a loose ball! Tom, in your next pick-up game, hit a "3" for me.
- Dan Dunning, Arlington, Virginia

January 27, 2014

Jane Boland

Dear Stephanie, Katie, Danny, Annie and Joey - We are so deeply sorry to hear about Tom's passing. May God keep you close in your time of grief. Another angel to watch over you. We will keep you all in our hearts, prayers and thoughts as you go on with your lives. He's at peace.
Jane, Jenn, Andy and Gene Boland

January 27, 2014

Richard Gigallon

My deepest condolences to the Russo family. And to the Chadwicks family at the passing of Tom..A gentleman in every sense of the word..

January 26, 2014

J. Charles Riseling

Tom always made the Kennedy Center crowd feel welcome, and even tolerated Stagehands well. He and I had a warm conversation after my diagnosis took a turn for the worse, and wished me luck, with a prayer, too. A good man, not with us quite long enough.

January 26, 2014

jean maddin

Rest in Peace Tom. God Bless you and your family. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers

- Phil and Jean Maddin, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

January 26, 2014

Dear Steff,
You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Wish I could be there to give you a hug. He was an amazing man.
Linda (Gallic) Gadilauskas and family

January 26, 2014

nadia murphy

I am so sorry that such a sweet soul has left us. I proudly worked for Tom for several years and can say that he was my friend. I will remember him fondly forever.

January 26, 2014

I worked with Tom for many years on The Bartender's Ball. He always kept things in perspective- no personal accolades- just working for charity. He was an honest man and a gentleman. Qualities that are becoming harder to find every day!. He won't be forgotten. We have entered his name on the DC BRASSers Roll of friends and co workers who have passed before us and are doing charity events in their names!

January 26, 2014

Michael McBride

I am so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. He was a great guy and will be very much missed. My condolences to his wonderful family.

January 26, 2014

Tom Vetter

My deepest sympathies to Tom's family. It seems like yesterday we were playing intramural football together at Georgetown . He did everything %100.
Rest in peace Tom.

January 26, 2014

Bob Gessert

It's hard to imagine that there could be a more gracious and charming host and true gentleman than Tom Russo was. I first met Tom about a dozen years ago when, together with two other old retirees, I would enjoy a weekly lunch at Chadwicks in Georgetown. Chadwicks was better than Cheers, which it sought to emulate where “everyone knows your name.” Not only was Chadwicks ironically adopted slogan of “where everyone calls you names“ self-deprecatingly funny, it was quite untrue; and Tom also was an even more welcoming owner and baseball aficionado than was Sam Malone.
It took no more than one or two visits to Chadwicks to feel you had known Tom all your life. He remembered your name the second time he saw you along with many other things you may have let slip about yourself. You never felt he was merely being polite or feigning interest in you. When he asked “How are you?” he really wanted to know. Bartenders have the reputation of being amateur psychiatrists. As a loving bar owner, Tom was more comfortable and comforting (and certainly less expensive) than most psychiatrists.
Tom was one of those rare persons you could turn to knowing that you would get genuine understanding and compassion. For being there when I needed him most after my wife and then my oldest daughter died of cancer six years apart, I'll be eternally grateful to Tom who now joins them. If they do share any musings about how our lives intersected, I'm sure Tom will be gentle as well as honest in his reminiscences.
Thank you, Stephanie, Kate, Dan, Annie, and Joe, for helping to make Tom the man he was and for allowing others like me to know something of his friendship and love. I know you will miss your spouse and father more than any of his many friends could imagine, but take whatever comfort you can in knowing that he not only helped many of the rest of us but will also be sorely missed by us. May our memories add reinforcement to yours that celebrate his life and help ease your pain and sorrow at his passing. Tom would want it that way.

Posted by Bob Gessert

January 25, 2014

Bob Gessert`

It's hard to imagine that there could be a more gracious and charming host and true gentleman than Tom Russo was. I first met Tom about a dozen years ago when, together with two other old retirees, I would enjoy a weekly lunch at Chadwick's in Georgetown. Chadwick's was better than Cheers, which it sought to emulate where “everyone knows your name.” Not only because Chadwick's ironically adopted slogan of “where everyone calls you names“ was as self-deprecatingly humorous as it was untrue, but because Tom was an even more welcoming owner and baseball aficionado than Sam Malone.
It took no more than one or two visits to Chadwick's to feel you had known Tom all your life. He remembered your name the second time he saw you along with many other things you may have let slip about yourself. You never felt he was merely being polite or feigning interest in you. When he asked “How are you?” he really wanted to know. Bartenders have the reputation of being amateur psychiatrists; as a loving bar owner, Tom was more comfortable and comforting (and certainly less expensive) than most psychiatrists. Almost seven years ago when my wife died of cancer about two years older than Tom was when he died, and last year when my oldest daughter died of lung cancer a year younger than Tom, Tom was one of the rare persons I could turn to knowing that I would get genuine understanding and compassion. For being there when I needed him most, I'll be eternally grateful to Tom who now joins my late wife and daughter. If they do share any musings about how our lives intersected, I'm sure Tom will be gentle as well as honest in his reminiscences.
Thank you, Stephanie, Kate, Dan, Annie, and Joe, for helping to make Tom the man he was and for allowing others like me to know something of his friendship and love. I know you will miss your spouse and father more than any of his many friends could imagine, but take whatever comfort you can in knowing that he not only helped many of the rest of us but will also be sorely missed by us. May our memories add reinforcement to yours that celebrate his life and help ease your pain and sorrow at his passing. Tom would want it that way.
Bob Gessert January 25, 2014

Posted by Bob Gessert`

January 25, 2014

Barry Nigro

I first met Tom (a fellow Hoya) in 1988 at Chadwick's. He was always smiling and loved to laugh. I constantly pleaded with Tom to open a Chadwick's in McLean. I guess the next Chadwick's will be in Heaven. Thank you Tom for your friendship. I will miss you.

January 25, 2014

Cheryl Mattiola

Stephanie & family ~
Tom,Bert,Rich,Mark,&Kenny were always playing football together in the back yard. Tom is playing with the Champions now. He will be in our heart & memory forever & greatly missed! With all our love & support, Cheryl & Bert Mattiola Suzonne, Chantel & Cassidy Rae

January 25, 2014

Ann and Jon Lyttle

Tom's amazing wife and children are the finest tribute to him, exemplifying the love and devotion he instilled in them. They are his legacy and a model for all of us. With love and sympathy,

January 25, 2014

Tom Ferrick

Tom, those of us who had a chance to meet and experience the gift of your friendship are better for it. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. You were truly the best basketball parent I ever had.

January 25, 2014

Glenn DiMino

Our most sincere sympathy to Tom's family as he will be greatly missed by his family,cousins,aunts and uncles. Rest in Peace Tom. With our deepest condolences,
Glenn and Becky DiMino

January 24, 2014

Stephen, Jeralynn, Phillip and Ian Graham

With Tom, you will remember very specific moments, snippets and instances very fondly. He was always there for everyone. No drama; no high maintenance; just the Rock of Gilbraltar. When other people were running away, Tom would deal with it. Great laugh, sense of humor and perspective. Tom's spirit remains with Stephanie and the family. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

January 24, 2014

Joel & Dayna Calabrese

Tom Russo will be missed, but never forgotten and cherished with the love of his family and friends.

God Bless you all.

January 24, 2014

Family Caron

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