Obituary: Anthony "Sonny" Russo

Anthony "Sonny" Russo passed away peacefully Sunday, February 17, 2013, surrounded by his loving family at the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center in Providence 

He was the beloved husband of Mary (Phelan) Russo. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Thomas and Jennie (Giorgio) Russo. Sonny was a restaurateur who during his career owned and operated several restaurants; Sonny Russo's Restaurant & Lounge in Cranston, The Player's Corner Pub in Providence, The Villa DiGiorgio Banquet Facility in West Warwick, and The Sea Inn in Hallandale, Florida. Throughout his years in the restaurant business he generously sponsored many youth athletic programs. Sonny loved sports and was an avid New York Yankees fan.

Sonny was a former member of the Potowomut Golf Club, The Alpine Country Club, The Santa Maria di Prata Society and St. Mary's Feast Society.  He was a  Korean War veteran who served in the US Army.  

Sonny is survived by his loving daughter Patricia Jackvony and her husband Vincent of Johnston. He was predeceased by his daughter Toni Jean and his son Thomas. He leaves behind his sister  Evelyn Fansler and her husband Earl of IN.  He was the cherished grandfather of Vinnie Jackvony and his wife Alicia of Scituate, and Jenna Marchal and her husband Bear of Barrington. He was the proud great-grandfather of Gracyn and Maddox Jackvony and William and Adele Marchal.

His funeral will be held on Friday at 9:45 am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Rocco’s Church, 931 Atwood Avenue, Johnston. Interment will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS: Thursday 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, Sonny's family requests memorial contributions be made in his memory to Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island, Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 in appreciation for the kind, compassionate and professional care he received.