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Jerome Francis Russo
LEAGUE CITY — Mr. Jerome Francis Russo, 74, of League City, Texas passed away, Thursday, August 5, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Jerome was born July 21, 1947 in Galveston, to his beloved parents, Anthony Russo and Carmella (Murello) Tibaldo. After graduating from Santa Fe High School, he joined the USAF and served in the Vietnam War having been stationed in Tuy Hua. Upon return from Vietnam he knew the first thing he wanted to do was to marry the love of his life, Frances Kelemen. Once they were married he received his military orders to move to Maine where they had their first born son, Jerome F. Russo, II (Bubba). They then moved to Louisiana where they had their first born daughter, Heather Russo. Their journey did not end there, they were then sent to live in England where they had their last two daughters, Teresa and Jeanna Russo. Jerome Retired in Austin, TX at Bergstrom Air Force Base after 20 years and 8 days, of honorable service.
Jerome had several careers throughout his life since being such a hard working man and wonderful provider for his family. Just to name a few he owned and operated The Bikers Friend Motorcycle Shop in Austin, TX, graduated from the police academy and served as a deputy constable in Travis and Galveston County, served as a jailer in Galveston County, served as a police officer in Bayou Vista, TX, worked for Galveston County in the water department, was a school bus driver for SFISD and was a co-owner with Bubba at B & J's Austin Motorcycle Parts in Cedar Park, TX.
He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, TX as well as a 4th Degree Knight in assembly #1988 and a Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council #10393. An avid Dallas Cowboy fan, fisherman, hunter, and motorcycle rider. He felt most free when he could get on his Harley Davidson and ride with the wind. He passed his passion and love for motorcycles onto his son, Bubba, while being teacher and mechanic for Bubba's 30 year racing career.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather M. Russo; parents; step-father, John Tibaldo; brother, Joseph Russo; father-in-law, Frank Kelemen, Sr.; mother-in-law, Rozella (Besson) Kelemen.
Jerome is survived by his amazing and loving wife of over 52 years, Frances Russo of League, City, TX; son, Bubba Russo of Santa Fe, TX; daughters, Teresa (Russo) Stamper and husband, Greg of Lago Vista, TX, Jeanna (Russo) Syers and husband, Luke of League City, TX; adoptive children, C.J. McDowell and wife, Janine of Pearl River, NY, Joanie McDowell of Santa Fe, TX; grandchildren, Crystal Russo and partner, Travis Randolph of Amarillo, TX, Jordan (Russo) Pangborn of Michigan, Tray Russo of Dale, TX, Jessica (Stamper) Freed and husband, Sam of Austin, TX; Austin Stamper and wife, Jackie of Ohio, Clayton Stamper of CA, Taylor (Syers) Phemister and husband, Tristen of Clear Lake, TX, Edward (Eddie) Syers of Santa Fe, TX, Tyler and Emma Syers both of League City, TX, Alexandra, Conrad and Emma McDowell all of Pearl River, NY; great-grandchildren, Addley Pangborn of Michigan, and Sagan Freed of Austin, TX; step-mother, Vera Tibaldo of McKinney, TX; brother, Victor Russo and wife, Thirza of Lufkin, TX; step-mother-in-law, Helen (Matthews) Kelemen of La Marque, TX; brother-in-law, Frank Kelemen and wife, Wanda of Manvel, TX; sister-in-law, Sandra (Kelemen) Elman and husband, Marty of Rockdale, TX; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 9, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hayes Funeral Home in Hitchcock, TX with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. led by The Knights of Columbus.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 10114 Hwy 6, Hitchcock, TX 77563 with Father David Harris, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson, TX under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Hwy 6, Hitchcock, TX, (409) 925-3501. Military honors under the auspices of the United States Air Force.
Casketbearers will be Edward Howell, Alan Jones, Tristen Phemister, Tray Russo, Austin Stamper, Clayton Stamper and Eddie Syers.
Memorials may be sent in the form of donations to The Knights of Columbus Council #10393, 11100 Highway 6, Santa Fe, Texas 77510 or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, 10114 Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas 77563.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerome Francis Russo, please visit our floral store.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
10114 Highway 6, Hitchcock TX 77563
Knights Of Columbus #10393
11100 Highway 6, Santa Fe TX 77510