James Russo, age 92, of Wilton, CT and formerly of Woodstock, CT, passed away peacefully at The Greens at Cannondale on December 16, 2020. Born in Bronx, NY on October 28, 1928, he was a son of the late Vincenzo and Anna (Grasso) Russo. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Martha (LaFerrara) Russo. He is also survived by his sons James Jr. (Gisele) of Lebanon, CT and Richard (Margaret) of Westport, CT; grandchildren Danielle, Justine, Jack, and Annie; two great-grandsons Dominic and Owen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and great grandfather. He was a commercial baker for the majority of his life; a trade he learned from working with his father and siblings at their family bakery, "Russo's Bread", formerly on 187th Street and Cambreleng Avenue in the Arthur Avenue neighborhood of the Bronx. He was extremely proud of his Italian American heritage and his original stomping grounds in the City, a loyal fan of New York sports teams and, of course, the food. He was also a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. But off the record, he was a natural-born entertainer at heart; give him a table or a room full of folks and he'd turn them into an active audience, packing in the jokes and leaving everyone in stitches (including himself). He was "the mayor" everywhere he and Martha went, striking up conversations and budding friendships while strutting with a cigar in-hand and his trusted sidekick at his heels — his miniature collie, Sparky. One could always spot him in a crowd from his extensive collection of straw fedoras, which his grandchildren would frequently rummage through when they were young. Paired with his everyday rings and crucifix, Aloha shirts, and transition pilot sunglasses, it's undeniable that the man had style. He lived his life fully and joyfully, and embraced his family, friends, and neighbors throughout.

Due to the pandemic, services will take place at a later time. Donations in Jim's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. To offer the family online condolences, please visit www.boutonfuneralhome.com.