Thomas Russo
VENTNOR - Former city Administrator Thomas Russo, 88, of Atlantic City, passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 14 surrounded by his loving family.
Mayor Lance Landgraf called him "a gentleman in the truest sense of the word" and a good friend to Ventnor.
Tom was a lifelong resident of Atlantic City and a graduate of Atlantic City High School. He served in the United States Army and later graduated from Rowan University.
Tom chose a career in public service believing in the importance of serving the community to advance the common good and effect positive change.
He was an Atlantic City lifeguard and taught history at Atlantic City High School for two years and later taught history at Brigantine Middle School for 15 years. After teaching he worked for the City of Atlantic City holding numerous positions. He served as Deputy Commissioner of Revenue and Finance, Acting City Comptroller, Business Administrator, Director of Planning and Development, and Director of Neighborhood Services. He also served as an Atlantic City Council Member, Planning Board Member, and Atlantic City Development Board Member. Tom was an Atlantic County Commissioner for sixteen years. He also worked as the Business Administrator for the City of Ventnor.
Tom had several business ventures operating a few Atlantic City establishments such as Captain Starns Restaurant, the Tropics Restaurant and Lounge, Humpty's Restaurant, Celebrity Corner Restaurant, and Schifts Incorporated. Tom was also a member of numerous civic organizations such as the Chelsea Neighborhood Association, UNICO, Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association, and many more.
Tom is predeceased by his loving wife Barbara, parents Joseph and Ethel (Bell) Russo, his sister Ann, and brothers Albert, and Joseph. Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Linda Simon of Florida, sons, Robin and Scott of Atlantic City, and daughter Leigh Ann Napoli (John) of Linwood. Especially saddened by the void of losing their "Pop Pop" are his grandchildren, Christine, Thomas, and Luke. Tom's greatest joy was spending time with them; trips to the beach, crabbing, Story Book Land, Steel Pier, AC Aquarium, weekend lunches and so much more. Tom will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.
