Giuseppe "Joe" Di Russo

Giuseppe "Joe" Di Russo April 8, 1946 – September 10, 2024 Giuseppe "Joe" Di Russo, age 78, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024. Born on April 8, 1946, in Bagnoli del Trigno, Italy, Joe was the beloved son of the late Guglielmo and Antonietta Di Russo. At the age of 16, Joe immigrated to the United States, where he began building a new life. He later returned to Italy to find his beautiful wife, Rosa, and together they returned to the U.S., starting a life and family full of love and devotion. Joe was a proud Italian, known for his stubbornness, big heart, and frugality. He often reminded his family that "famiglia è sempre famiglia"—family always comes first. He took great pride in his heritage, like making homemade wine with his mother and then passing the tradition on to his daughter, Melissa. He especially loved the foods of his hometown, scattone, spezzato, and taralli. His love for soccer and unwavering support for the Italian national team and Juventus were well known to all who loved him. With a quick wit and a sarcastic sense of humor, Joe brought joy to every conversation. He cherished home-cooked meals enjoyed with family, especially those made by his favorite cook, his wife. He never turned down his favorite dessert—vanilla ice cream. A dedicated teacher at Cody High School, Joe also lent a hand at his parents' shoe repair shop, always staying connected to his roots. Above all, Joe was a family man. A devoted husband to Rosa, he was the loving father of Giuseppina Di Russo, Daniela (Robert) Tuohey, Melissa Di Russo, and the late Davide Di Russo. He was a cherished Nonno to Antonio and Angelo, whom he adored. He always ended the day by telling his family, "sogni belli e sogni d'oro"—wishing them beautiful dreams and golden dreams. Joe was also a dear brother to the late Maria (Edward) Vespa and a beloved uncle to Felicia Vespa, Paola Vespa, and Gino (Angela) Vespa. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 W. Warren, Dearborn Heights. Joe will lie in state on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Church of the Divine Child until the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joe's name may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, honoring his generous spirit and lifelong commitment to helping others. Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, family, and faith will live on in the hearts of those he touched. "Sogni belli e sogni d'oro," Joe. Rest in peace.