Louis J. Russo

Louis Joseph Russo passed away peacefully on March 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife, Gail Russo (Polacco) and his two sons, Vincent and Anthony.

Louie was born December 23, 1945, in West Virginia. His family moved to Western Massachusetts shortly after his birth.  His parents, Vincent "Fiji" Russo and Rumza Ferris Russo, settled in Agawam, MA, a town that Louie devoted his life to.

Louie was a proud veteran who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Vietnam, he prepared and supplied combat missions. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force as a Sergeant after which he served in the Air Force Reserves. He continued to support local veterans as the Chairman of the House Committee and Chaplain of American Legion Post #185 in Agawam.

Louie returned from his military service and met Gail and they started a life together in Feeding Hills raising a family who he loved dearly. He had a great sense of humor and was always excited to talk about issues of the day and share his opinions. Louie was always present in his sons' lives and took great pride that their adult interests aligned with his own. He was inspirational to their success and independence.

His dedication to his hometown was immeasurable and a few of his volunteer endeavors include serving on the Agawam City Council; Vice-Chair of Community Preservation Act Committee; Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council and as a member of St. Martha's Guild for Sacred Heart Parish; Past-President of UNICO; Knights of Columbus; Boy Scout Leader, Youth Sport Coach and Booster and many more civic and political positions.

He will forever be in the hearts of Gail, Vincent and Anthony, Vincent's wife Gina Russo (Grippo), his grandsons Dominik and Max Russo, his niece Angel Boissonault (Gobeille) and her husband Ray, nephew Ray Gobeille and his wife Maria (Giordano), and many other family and friends, whom he cherished. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Doris Gobeille (Russo), in-laws Tony and Pal Polacco and nephew Todd Polacco.

Louie was a man of great character and strong faith with an enduring devotion to family and his community. He will be missed terribly.

The family extends thanks to Dr. James Hession and Dr. David Fanti as well as Felica and Harriet of the Chicopee Dialysis Center and all the doctors and nurses who cared for him over the years, especially those at Baystate Medical Center.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 4-7 PM at Colonial Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, 985 Main Street, Agawam. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 beginning at 10:15 AM at the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM at Sacred Heart Parish, Springfield Street, Feeding Hills. Committal services and military honors will be at 1 PM at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Main Street, Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Louie's name be made to Sacred Heart Parish, 1061 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA 01030 or Disabled American Veterans, Attention: Gift Processing, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com