Generoso "Gino" Russo was born on February 4, 1945.  He went home to be with his wife, daughter, mother, father, sisters, brother and all of his loved ones on March 6, 2021.

Born and raised in Taurasi, Italy by his father Antonio Russo and mother,, Virginia Desimone Russo.  Gino was the youngest of six siblings; two brothers and three sisters all who he loved dearly.

Gino married Maria Antoinneta Cefalu in April 1968.  They came to America on July 4, 1968 to follow a dream in the United States.  They lived in New London, Connecticut for 10 years with his family close by and during that time, had two children; daughter Patrizia Russo and son Tonino Russo in 1971.  In 1978 Gino decided to move to sunny California and landed in a small town called Poway.  He purchased his house in 1978 and lived in the same home until the day he was called home to his wife and family in heaven.

He fell in love with the small town and loved the idea that it reminded him so much of Italy.  The weather, the capability of growing fruits and vegetables and most of all, making his wine every year.

Gino retired as a master machinist.  He was also very knowledgeable as a mechanic and gardener.  As many people that Gino came across, everyone knew he loved his family to a fault sometimes allowing his pride to intervene but that was Gino's way.  He loved his Italian heritage and all the friends that he made throughout the years and never forgot them.

He loved telling stories to his three little grandkids, Stella, Luca and Roccoboy.  he had the opportunity in the last couple of years to tell many stories about his days living in Italy, coming to America and making a home in Poway.

His true passions were making wine, bocce ball and gardening.  He was a founding member of the Poway Italian Bocce Ball Club. In the late 90s he spent months of his time and undying attention to get a project from 0 to 10 and now the city of Poway has two beautiful bocce ball courts which many can enjoy because of his never give up attitude to get the project passed through city council.  He truly loved the game of bocce ball and many memories were made with many friends and family.

On his final days he was in his garden preparing this year's harvest of grapes and his beloved fig trees.  Most of all he was staring a small garden for his three young grandkids Stella, Luca and Rocco Russo.  Nono as they called him was so happy to have Stella ask him to help in starting a garden for her.  She was so excited that Nono was doing that for her.

Life's work in Gino's eyes had to be done to a perfection.  Even on his last project it was how Gino saw it.  He did it Gino's way! Like it or not, that's how Gino rolled.  He truly loved all of his family and friends.  I think it was sometimes hard for him to show it, but he had a way of doing so.

One of his favorite Italian sayings goes as follows:  Quando entrate salutate! Quando uscite fatevi i cazzi vostri

He will be sorely missed by all his nephews, nieces, grandchildren, brother and sister but most of all by his three Italian Rockstars, his grandkids Luca, Rocco and Stella.  They all got to see a side of Nono that they loved and for that I am eternally grateful.  He is survived by his son Tonino "Tony" Russo and five grandchildren.

Dad, thank you for being the best you can be in showing me what life brings.  Rest in peace and say hi to Mom and Big Sis and all of our loved ones in heaven.  Now we have another angel watching over us.  May you be at ease and rest and enjoy your friends and family in heaven. God bless you and we will miss you.