Louis “Les” John Russo Sr., a resident of Greenwich, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Port Chester, New York, on August 10, 1927, to Luigi J.Russo and Rose (nee Colantourno) Russo. Les lived a joyful, active, and fulfilling life for 97 wonderful years, with family always at the heart of everything he did.
Les graduated from Port Chester High School in 1944, where he formed lifelong friendships – bonds that later turned into weekly get togethers at local delis, often spent talking (mostly) about his favorite team, the New York Yankees.
From 1945 to 1946, Les proudly served in the U.S. Navy.
Playing Basketball for the Semi-Pro team The Shea Shamrocks, he met his future wife, Sheila Ann Shea. Sheila and Les decided to marry on June 20, 1953 at St. Mary’s Church in Greenwich, CT surrounded by family and friends, they remained married until her passing in 2018.
Les joined the Greenwich Police Department, where he proudly served the community for 10 years. Following his career in public service, Les joined his brother Rocco’s company, Field Electric, where he worked alongside his brother and his nephews Mark and John Russo for 15 years.
In his last professional chapter, Les and Sheila owned and operated Empress Travel Company, specializing in personal travel planning. Their love for adventure took them around the world. Sharing their experiences and expert travel tips with listeners on their weekly radio show, “Travel with Les and Sheila,” broadcast on WGCH 1490 in Greenwich for more than 5 years.
Les was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Sheila Russo (née Shea); and his siblings, Tess, Lee, Angelo, Joseph and Jean, who are surely welcoming him home with open arms.
Les is survived by his brother, Rocco John Russo (100 years of age!), Rocco’s wife Winnie, his four children: Les (Patricia) Russo of Wilmette, IL, James (Ruth) Russo of Palm Coast, FL, Sheila (Alan) Russo Davidson of Lausanne, Switzerland, and Ann (Daniel) Russo Spivey of Brooksville, FL. Les was also a proud and loving “Papa” to 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Les Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:30am at St. Michaels Church, 469 North Street, Greenwich, CT.
The family wishes to thank the many friends who showed Les so much love and support over the years, including the wonderful staff at Parsonage Cottage in Greenwich, the place he called home for the past 15 years. In lieu of flowers, donations in Les’s memory may be made to Parsonage Cottage, 88 Parsonage Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.