Ben "Benny" B. Russo

Ben “Benny” B. Russo, 79 passed away Saturday, January 30, 2016 after a brief illness. Benny was born October 8, 1936 in Elkhart to the late Anthony and Mary (Checchio) Russo.
He is survived by his wife and love of his life Carole Anne (Grooms), formerly of Ligonier, Indiana. February 23rd would have been their 59th anniversary. He was preceded in death by his beloved son Jeffrey Scott Russo. He is survived by his daughter Leslie Anne (Michael) Lacy of Johnson City, Tennessee and son Bryan David (Gail) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and daughter-in-law Katrina Russo Canarecci and her husband Tom of Goshen, Indiana. He is also survived by his grandchildren Andrew, Alexandra and Victoria Lacy, Benjamin and Lily Russo, and Anastasia and Brianna Russo. He has one great-grandchild Braeden Miller, three step grandchildren, nine step great-grandchildren, and many devoted and special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tony.
Benny had an extensive career working in various sales and management positions with suppliers to the recreational vehicle industry. Among them were vice-president of E.J. Nagy and Associates (Riblet), Lakeview, and CMI. He retired in 2001.
Benny really never “retired” from working as he spent the last 13 years as the Trustee of Osolo Township. Prior to that, he was elected to the Osolo Township Board for 7 years. Through his work in the Trustee’s office he was able to improve the lives of many of the residents of Osolo. Benny made sure that all who came through his office were treated with respect. He worked tirelessly and was a huge advocate for the people of the township. He was a very humble man and never boasted about all of the great things he accomplished in his life. He was a board member of several organizations including, but not limited to The Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart, Council of Aging, Riverview Adult Day Care Center, Vice President of Elkhart Vintage Auto Club, President of Glenwood Park Civic Association. Ben was an active member of Elkhart Trinity United Methodist Church, a board member of the Trinity UM Foundation and Matthew 25.
Benny had an infectious and genuine smile and made everyone feel good in his presence. No matter where Benny went in Elkhart, everyone knew his name. Family would come from out of town and going out to eat was always a social gathering with extended family. Once they were out, Benny would run into at least a half a dozen people to talk to. Benny loved Italian food and ice cream was his favorite dessert! The summertime visits with family usually ended with sharing ice cream. His grandchildren adored him as did everyone. He loved vintage cars and cherished his 1957 Buick that he would show every summer. He had a passion for life and was always busy helping anyone in need. If anyone ever came to him with a need, he did his best to see that it was met. The word “no” just wasn’t part of his vocabulary.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 2:00 – 6:30 pm. and Friday, February 5, 2016 at 10:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2715 East Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN 46514. Celebration of Life Funeral Service is Friday February 5, 2016 at 11:00am, also at Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boys and Girls Club, Riverview Adult Day Care Center, and the Council of Aging.
Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com