Clarence Nicholas Russo

UntitledClarence Nicholas RussoAge 89, died at home on April 28, 2007. His wife and four children were with him. Clarence was the only child of Nicholas H. Russo and Annie Gogga Russo. A native of San Jose, he was a long time parishioner at St. Christopher's Church.Clarence graduated from the old San Jose Technical High School. He went on to San Jose State University and graduated in June 1941. Clarence was proud to serve in World War II. He spent 14 months in Iceland, continued his service in England, and landed in Normandy France 17 days after D Day and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.After 4 years in the Army, Clarence returned borne to marry his college sweetheart, Mildred King. He also took over his father's sheet metal shop. Clarence was the owner of "Nicholas H. Russo Well Casing and Sheet Metal Works" for 60 years. He supplied well casing for many of the orchards of Santa Clara county and as far south as King City. Clarence was active in SMACNA, the national sheet metal organization. He finally retired in October 2005. He sold the building on First Street and auctioned off the equipment. Clarence, then 88, was quoted as saying "Everything has to go, including me." Clarence was an avid sportsman. He hunted ducks at our family club from 1927 to 2005. He fished the Madison River in Montana each summer for 45 years. Clarence and Mille spent two weeks every year at the Rainbow Valley Lodge in Ennis and made many friends in the town of Ennis. Clarence hunted deer in most of the western states. He passed his love of the outdoors on to his sons and grandchildren. Clarence and Mille were avid Spartan fans and members of the Spartan Foundation and Quarterback Club. He was also a 49er faithful and Giants fan, going to games until last year. Clarence leaves his loving wife of 61 years, Mildred, and four children (Steve, Nancy, David, and Daniel). He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren (Elisabeth, Samuel, Alyssa, Thomas, and Kimberly), 3 daughters-in-law (Carmen, Linda, and Crystal), and a son-in-law (Carl Angotti). Clarence also leaves behind many lifelong college, hunting, and professional friends. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their loving care of Clarence in his time of need. The family requests donations to the Spartan Foundation One Washington Square San Jose,CA 95192-0062 or Hospice of the Valley 4850 Union Ave. San Jose, CA 95124-5156 in lieu of flowers.Viewing will be from 2:00pm-9:00pm Thursday, May 3, 2007 at Chapel of Flowers, 900 S. 2nd St. San Jose,CA. Vigil services will be held that evening at 7:00 p.m. at the above chapel. Funeral Mass will be Friday at 11:15 a.m. at St. Christopher's Church. Private burial will be at the San Joaquin National Cemetery, Gustine, CA.