Joseph Russo

Joseph Russo, age 72, of High Springs, FL, a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and Papa, passed away on December 16, 2025. He was a great man with a kind soul and a heart of gold, loved deeply by all who knew him.

Joseph was born on May 13, 1953, at Westchester Hospital in the Bronx, New York, to Salvatore Russo and Josephine Russo. He came from a proud Italian family and carried those traditions with him throughout his life.

He was raised in the Catholic faith, confirmed as a young child, and given his middle name, Nicholas, in honor of his uncle Nicholas “Nicki” Bava.

He grew up on Circle Drive in Patchogue, Long Island, New York, alongside his five siblings: Salvatore Jr., Peter, Susan, Diane, and Steven. Joseph graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School, where he began shaping the work ethic and curiosity that would define his life.

Joseph was a lifelong learner and a true jack of all trades. From a young age, he had a deep love for electronics—so much so that his father once bought him a kit to build a television, and Joseph built his family their very first color TV. He even recorded the entire first moon landing and walk on reel-to-reel tape, a reflection of his appreciation for history and innovation.

Through his younger years, Joseph learned electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry, becoming his father’s right-hand man on countless household projects. His skills led him to work as an in-house electrician for New York State, and for a short time, he even worked on police cars. He never stopped tinkering, fixing, or learning.

Joseph later moved to Florida, where he met his beloved wife, Cynthia (Cindy) Russo. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their daughter, Nichole (Russo) Cribbs, who was the pride of his life.

In Florida, Joseph worked as an in-house electrician and handyman for several hotels before continuing his career with Pasco County Schools, where he worked until his retirement a little over eight years ago.

Joseph was also an incredible cook and took great pride in his Italian heritage through food. If he wasn’t tinkering with something or fixing something, he was almost always in the kitchen. He loved cooking deeply and was fantastic at everything he made, putting time, patience, and care into every dish. He nearly perfected his father’s famous Russo bread, a tradition that meant so much to him and to those lucky enough to enjoy it.

Joseph was a devoted Papa to his grandchildren: Ryleigh, Ray, Athena, Tyler, and Scarlett Cribbs. His grandchildren adored him, and his love for them was endless.

He loved music, especially The Beatles, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, and AC/DC. He enjoyed classic western movies and television shows, with Bonanza and Gunsmoke among his favorites. He was also a true lover of animals and could never turn away a stray in need.

Joseph Russo will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence, patience, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on through the traditions he passed down, the meals he lovingly prepared, and the many lives he touched.

Watson-Milton Funeral Home is honored to assist Mr. Russo's family during this time. www.WatsonMilton.com (352) 463-8888