Anthony Russo, III

Anthony Russo III, a life-long resident of Tabernacle, NJ, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2016. He was 73. He died on a beautiful spring day, doing what he did best – working the land of his 500-acre fruit and vegetable farm in Tabernacle. The farm is located in the center of downtown Tabernacle - “God’s Country” as he often called it. He began his day as he had for over three fourths of his life; with morning coffee brewing, the weather scanner chirping and thoughts running through his mind about planning the day’s farming activities. Chances are his cell phone was in his hand, waiting to hit speed dial to talk to one of “the boys” or one of his cherished friends or colleagues. Tony always said morning was the “best part of my day.” He knew what the plan of action for Russo’s Fruit and Vegetable Farm that day before he hopped in his truck to get his day started. His day always began with a firm “Good Morning”, two simple words that were his trademark. Tony’s hard work ethic, persistence and determination, was the model of positivity. He believed that everyday was a gift, a response he gave to so many when asked “how are you today, Tony?” After a morning on the tractor preparing the fields for planting, Tony enjoyed lunch with his loving wife, Maryann, of 50 years. He headed back to the fields to do the job that he was famous for….working the land and planting “Jersey Fresh” sweet corn for fresh market sales. In a surreal twist of events, Tony was involved in a farming accident that ultimately ended his life. Tony – one with the earth in so many ways. Planted into a farming family, cultivated to be the leader of one of South Jersey’s most successful agribusinesses, rooted in strong family values, returned to the earth on the soil of his beloved Russo’s Fruit and Vegetable Farm. He was doing what he loved, second only to his family. Always ready with words of advice, solicited or not, Tony’s words of wisdom were thoughtfully, graciously, and freely passed on to all who were willing to listen. Whether at his kitchen table, on a tractor, at his desk, over coffee in the break room or in a greenhouse full of seasonal flowers, Tony words were admired by all who viewed him as a mentor, leader and teacher. Tony has been involved in New Jersey agriculture his entire life. Numerous organizations and agencies within the agricultural industry have benefitted from his expertise and knowledge. Among the organizations he was involved with were The Burlington County Board of Agriculture, the Tabernacle Co-Operative Growers, the Farm Credit Advisory Board, The Trenton Farmers’ Market Cooperative Association and the New Jersey Farm Bureau. Tony served as director and president at various times in each of these organizations. Tony was also instrumental in founding Sun National Bank and served on its Board of Directors for 25 years. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maryann; his daughter & son-in-law Joann & Kevin Gsell; son & daughter-in-law: Anthony & Melissa Russo IV all of Tabernacle; 6 grandchildren: Jacqueline, Gabrielle, Elizabeth, Kevin, Anthony, & Luke. He is also survived by two sisters: Madeline Capelli & Natalie Casano, a brother-in-law Msgr. James Dubell, a sister-in-law: Joan (Richard) Coughlin as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom he held dear to his heart. Tony will be lovingly remembered for the man of strength that he was for so many. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Church of the Holy Eucharist, 520 Medford Lakes Rd, Tabernacle, NJ 08088. Relatives and Friends are invited to his viewing on Monday from 4-9 PM and Tuesday 9-10 AM at the Church. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, Development Office, 635 South Clinton Ave., Trenton, NJ or Tabernacle Rescue Squad #439, 134 New Rd., Tabernacle, NJ 08088 or Tabernacle Fire Co. #431, 16 Hawkin Rd., Tabernacle, NJ 08088 or Church of the Holy Eucharist at the address above.

Anthony Russo, III

June 7, 1942 - April 14, 2016