OSWEGO – CHARLES THOMAS RUSSO, AKA “Buddy” died at Oswego Hospital on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the age of 80. He was born on October 11, 1943, in Oswego, NY. He was the fifth of eight children of James and Iola Aumiller Russo. He was a lifelong resident of Oswego.
Buddy attended Saint Paul’s Academy and graduated 8th grade in 1958. He attended the Oswego High School from 9th grade and graduated in 1962. While he attended these schools, his summers were spent working on muck farms owned by his parents, grandparents, and Godfather. After his high school graduation, Buddy spent two years on active duty in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Keppler DD765, a naval destroyer stationed out of Newport, Rhode Island. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1965. Shortly after returning back home, Buddy was given a job as an apprentice electrician and so he started his electrical career. After five years, he earned his Master Electrician’s license in the City of Fulton, NY. In 1971, he was hired by Snyder and Mackin Electrical Contractor in Oswego, NY. For several years, Buddy taught residential wiring for the IBEW Local 328 in Oswego. In 1978, Charles and Lionel Buske owned and operated R&B Electric in Oswego. In 1985, Lionel Buske retired and Charles changed the company name to Russo Electric and continued to do electrical work until he retired in 2014, for a total of 48 years in the trade.
Buddy considered “The Golden Years” were from the time he was born until his death; making memories with family members, loved ones, and friends. He always felt blessed to have lived the life he did. More often than not, it was like the song title of Frank Sinatra, “I Did It My Way”.
Buddy was a great grandson, son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and friend to many others. He lived a full life and most of his memories were good ones. He enjoyed shooting his guns, hunting deer at the Russo Camp in Bath, NY, and fishing. He enjoyed working, being out and about and around people. It was a treat on a hot summer’s day to come home from work and float in the pool, relax, and later cook supper on the grill. His daughter owned a horse and often rode it around the property. His son did the same with his snowmobile, dirt bike, and 4-wheeler. Buddy lived the “American Dream”.
Charles is survived by his wife Barbie, daughter Angela (Jeffery Jones) of Zirconia, NC; son Adam of Oswego, and step-son Steven Hamblin and granddaughter Madison Hamblin of Orlando, FL. Also survived by his sister, Fran Beck of Walled Lake, MI; and brothers, Al Russo (Linda) of Niagara Falls, NY, and Frank Russo (Karen) of Higganum, CT. Also, Charles is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Buddy was pre-deceased by his grandparents Sam and Francis Russo; his parents James and Iola Russo; his Godparents, Joe and Rosezario Chillemi; his son Micah who died at birth in 1984; his brothers James (Adele); Sam (Carol); John (Dorothy); and William (Kathy), as well as brother-in-law James Beck, and over the years, many friends he made memories with.
He was a member of the American Legion, Minetto Post #0486.
He pre-wrote this obituary and his last wish: “Don’t cry when I’m gone…SMILE and LAUGH at the memories that we shared.” His favorite song: Amazing Grace. In lieu of flowers or donations in his memory, make the world a better place and help someone in need of your help or service.
Calling hours will be held from 3-6 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany Street. Funeral Services will be held 11 am on Thursday, at St. Mary’s Parish and Shrine. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.
