Phyllis Ann Russo
May 4, 1940-May 14, 2020
It is with deep, heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Phyllis Russo on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Phyllis was a resident of Fair Lawn NJ for 50 years before moving to Midlothian VA 3 years ago. Family, friends, kindness, and thoughtfulness were the overwhelming focus of the life she lived. She spent years working throughout her community with various organizations and met many wonderful people all along her journey. She shared her immense care for families and children through her church, local schools, scouts, youth sports, senior care, and Special Olympics. Phyllis loved holidays, spending time with family, spoiling her grandchildren, watching sports, funny movies, spring flowers, vacationing at the NJ shore, and connecting with friends. She never missed an opportunity to reach out and send a card to wish someone a very Happy Birthday and celebrate many other special occasions. In fact, the family felt perhaps she secretly owned a large amount of stock in a greeting card co.
She met her loving husband Chas (Charles) while attending Hawthorne HS and both working together as “soda jerks” at Olson’s Pharmacy in Hawthorne NJ. Chas taught her how to drive the company manual transmission truck and they were still eating ice cream together all these years later. Although, now, supported by a hefty dose of Lactaid pills.
Born May 4, 1940, daughter of Lyla and Phillip Herbster. She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years Charles Sr. (Chas). She regretfully leaves behind her adoring children and their families: eldest son Chuck, her son Jim, his wife Cheryl, and their children Alexandra and Connor, her son Steven, his wife Heather, and their daughters Abby and Leah.
We will miss her dearly and forever.
We are heartbroken too hear about the passing of Phyllis. She was a warm, kind, loving and wonderful lady. With a beautiful smile. And she is now reunited in heaven with her loving parents., but will be sorely missed here on earth.
Such a Beautiful Kind Sweet Soul! I am so heartbroken over her passing! The world was definitely a better place with Phyllis Russo in it!! We will miss you but will see you again one day! Xo
We have known Phyllis for almost 65 years. We have such fond memories of all the happy times we shared with her and Chas,
too many to list. Chickie was a soda jerk with them in Olsson’s where they made awesome Awful Awfuls and shared lots and lots of laughs. Needless to say Phylllis was a dear friend and she will be sorely missed by us. Our love and support for Chas and family,
remember we are here for you always, Chickie and Walt Williams
I have known Phyllis since Freshman Home Room at HHS and was delighted when she married my good friend Chas. Besides her gentleness, I will always remember her great sense of humor. Our hearts are saddened by her passing and Shelley and I pray for God’s blessing and comfort on Chas and the entire Russo family.
Dear Chas and family…it is with deepest sympathy we learned of Phyllis’ passing . She was easy-going with a quick- wit giggle that would always make me smile before she was even in the room! She’s the gal I’d want to be my neighbor and I’m so glad she lived such a fulfilling life with family and friends. With her passing she joins so many of our loving classmates, all of who are in our souls forever and we, still here, are there beside you.
Continue to share your love for her with others as you tell your many stories…and may God’s Love give you strength and Peace
Sincerely with love, Judy Hemingway
I am so very sorry for your loss but I know she is in heaven rejoicing. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I was sad when she moved out of Jersey because she always had a beautiful happy smile in church. I am so heartbroken over her loss. I will see her again in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.💕