Peter J. Russo Sr

Peter J. Russo Sr

Peter J. Russo, Sr., 84, of Erie, passed away Monday, October 11, 2021 at his residence. He was born April 9, 1937 in Brooklyn, NY, a son of the late Frank and Minnie Natalie Russo.

Peter was a talented athlete, who received six collegiate basketball scholarships. He selected the University of Dayton and was Captain of the Basketball team. He transferred to Gannon University on a full athletic scholarship and was Captain and lead scorer for two consecutive years on their varsity basketball team. Peter received his BA in Education from Gannon University and he was part of the first class at Gannon University to receive his M.ED.

He worked for the Erie School District as a teacher, for the City of Erie as the Director of Recreation, for the County of Erie as both the Director of Parks and the Director of Administration, and lastly for Mercyhurst College as the Director of Athletics for 18 years, from 1989 until his retirement in 2007.

After retiring he worked part time at the Barber National Institute where he raised more than $100,000 in donations, cosponsored the Barber Beast on the Bay, and was named 2017 Shillelagh Man of the Year.

Peter was a PIAA Men's Basketball official for 35 years, officiating at all levels including Division 1, Atlantic 10 and ECAC, a member of PIAA Board of Control, and District 10 official representative for all officials for all sports. He served as Chairman of the Great Lakes Inter-Collegiate Athletic Conference, of the GLIAC Athletic Directors, and of the GLAIC Championship Committee. He was a member of the NCAA National Basketball Committee and Regional Chairman of the NCAA Basketball Committee. He officiated 10 PIAA men's high school state championship games, and was inducted into the Erie Sports Hall of Fame.

Pete lived his entire life in Erie and was passionate about the Erie Community. He was a devoted husband, loving father and amazing grandfather who was always there for his family. He was an avid sports fan who never missed watching a big game. He most enjoyed Italian family dinners and on a special occasion, a good cigar.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Peter J. Russo, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Floria "Flo" M. Riazzi Russo; three daughters, Natalie A. Corella and her husband Dr. John Corella; Mary Ellen Russo; and Stephanie A. Russo-Seneca and her husband Phil Seneca; one son, Jon M. Russo and wife Pam Russo; two brothers, Ross Russo and his wife Nancy and Frank Russo and his wife Suzanne; one sister, Maryann Russo-Borowy; and five grandchildren, John Joseph and Maria Corella, Dr. Lauren Russo, Nicolas, and Nathan Russo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street on Sunday from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. masks are required. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day on Monday at Saint George Church, 5145 Peach Street, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to St. George Church, 5145 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509 or the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507.