Anthony Russo, Jr.

Anthony Russo Jr., aka Tony or “The Memory Man,” passed away at his home in Hardig Brooks Apartments in Warwick on Monday, January 4th, 2021. He was 69 years old. He was the proud son of the late Rita (Lepry) Russo and the late Anthony Russo of Warwick, both of whom he had the strongest of bonds. Tony lived in Warwick his whole life, and he would not have had it any other way.

A 1971 graduate of Warwick Veterans Memorial high school, Tony loved to be around people and talk to anyone who was available. If you frequented the Apponaug section of Warwick, you knew him.

He was the one who asked your name, and more importantly, your birthdate so that he could tell you on what day of the week you were born.  He put this talent to good use when invited by the local radio show host, John DePetro. Without error, even factoring in leap years, Tony’s told the callers if they were born on a Thursday, a Sunday, whatever.  As Bob Kerr from the Providence Journal once put it, “Tony Russo will not be outdated.”

His strong memory also helped him to recall the dates that various celebrities--musicians, politicians, television stars--made their appearances and performed here at the many venues in RI. It was one of the highlights of his life to be photographed with many of these famous people.

Included in these pictures were people such as Liza Manelli, Freddie the Dunkin Donuts man, and the late Senator Edward Kennedy, to name a few. It was fun for family and friends to have Tony as a reliable calendar to help them place events in some kind of chronological context.

Tony put his hand to many different types of work, but the jobs he enjoyed the most involved driving. Shuttling cars back and forth to Providence and Boston from Warwick for local, rental car companies gave him great satisfaction.

When he was younger, Tony loved to travel, both near and far. Those who knew him well were not surprised to learn that he was the one knocking on the door at perhaps a late or inopportune hour, or right when dinner was served.

When he could no longer drive, he took to riding his bike, walking or hitchhiking. He would find a way to stay current and to join others at Dunkin Donuts, Cafe Tempo, Denny’s, wherever. Tony’s  ability to enjoy the act of gathering for a simple meal or even just a coffee was matched by none. He was the organizer and king of “the men’s breakfast.”

Tony had a strong interest in music, and he had quite a collection of various instruments.  He was proud of his ability to play the drums and also gave his time to practicing some other smaller, hand-held instruments. He never was a rock n’ roll star, but he managed to make himself known by talking about his talents. He created and enjoyed his own time in a smaller limelight.

Having a strong sense of faith, Tony shared what he felt was so important. He wanted to make sure that people who he loved made it to heaven, so he insisted on praying the “Sinner’s Prayer” with them as they neared the end of their journey. He also combined his knowledge of scripture with his sense of humor, sometimes proclaiming to others that they need not worry about his sins; rather, they “needed to remove the beam from their own eye” instead of focusing on the “splinter” that was in his eye.

Tony leaves behind four siblings, their spouses and children: Mary Maguire and her husband Tom of Cranston, Donato Russo and his wife Kathleen of North Kingstown, Annie McGowan and her husband Mathew of North Kingstown, and Rose Russo and Richard Toohey of North Kingstown. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 12 at 11:00 am at St. Gregory the Great in Warwick. A livestream of his mass will be shown at www.stgregorychurchri.com . The burial will be private. Donations can be made in his memory to Warwick Animal Shelter at 101 Arthur W. Devine Blvd., Warwick, R.I. 02886