Santi ‘Sonny’ Russo – Charleroi

Santi “Sonny” Russo, 86, of Charleroi, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 11, 1936, he was the son of the late Cataldo and Anna Parrilla Russo. He moved to McKees Rocks as a child and later to Charleroi. Sonny married the love of his life, Donna Mae Turner, while still attending high school. They have been at each other’s side for nearly 69 years. Sonny joined the United States Army after graduating high school. He and Donna later moved to Florida and then soon after returned to Charleroi to take over the family business, Charleroi Sweeper Center. Sonny, his brother, Sal, and brother-in-law, Bob, later went on to open the “Lower Level” restaurant in Charleroi. Sonny served on the board of directors at the Mon Valley Country Club for many years and was one of the founding members of the “Original 8.” Sonny was also a member of the Charleroi Sportsmen Club. In early years, he was active in the Charleroi Elks and North Charleroi French Club. He had great times and made many friends playing in the Rotolo golf and bowling league. Some of his favorite activities were golfing in Myrtle Beach and boating on the Monongahela River. Surviving to cherish Sonny’s memories are his loving wife, Donna; his loving daughter, Sonna of Arlington, Va.; grandson, Thomas of Charleroi; his brother, Charles (Dolores) of Sun City, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Barbara Russo; numerous nieces and nephews who will miss Uncle Sonny dearly; and the long list of good friends who will all have their own “funny Sonny story” to tell. In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his son, Thomas; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Bob Michael; and his best friend and brother, Salvatore Russo. Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at HOGAN-MELENYZER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, PA 15022. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, 624 Washington Ave., Charleroi. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery along with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Washington Area Humane Society, https://www.washingtonpashelter.org. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hogan-melenyzer.com.