Obituary of Marie Russo

Marie (Battipaglia) Russo, 93, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her extended family. Marie is leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, unwavering devotion and unconditional love. Born on March 26, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, Marie was the beloved daughter of Helen DeMaria and Anthony Battipaglia. She was predeceased in 1994 by her loving husband, Peter Russo, in 2006 by her daughter-in-law Theresa (Waldron) Russo and in 2010 by her brother Pasquale “Sonny” Battipaglia.

She was the proud and loving mother of Alexander Russo and his wife Megan; Louise (Russo) Massoni and her husband Donald; Anthony Russo and his wife Patricia; Peter Russo and his wife Nicole; and Elena (Russo) Grossmann and her husband Christopher.

Her greatest happiness came from watching her family grow through the years. She adored her 13 grandchildren and their spouses, treasured her 9 great-grandchildren, and was overjoyed knowing another great-grandchild would soon arrive this July! Donald, (Julianne) children Madison & Sofia; Alana, (Dave) children Wyatt & Reese; Maria (Christopher) children Amelia, Dimitri & Vienna; Peter; Kiera (Desmond) children Liam & Tessa; Gina (Michael); Matthew; Deirdre; Laura (Jeremy); Alexander; Peter John known as PJ; Christopher; Victoria.

Marie devoted her life to raising her five children and creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, tradition and unconditional support. Whether volunteering at her children’s schools and church or simply being there whenever someone needed her, Marie gave endlessly of herself without ever expecting anything in return.

Marie's first job was as a bookkeeper at Guarantee Trust Bank, where she began a lifelong appreciation for hard work and helping others. In her 50s, Marie fulfilled a dream by establishing, owning and operating “The Little Chocolate Shop”, a specialty chocolate and gift shop located in Middle Village, Queens. After several successful years, she sold the business and became a bookkeeper at North Shore University Hospital, where she truly enjoyed both her work and the friendships she made there.

When her husband Peter became ill, Marie did what she always did — she put family first. She left her job to care for him with extraordinary love, patience and devotion. After his passing, she continued to be the person everyone leaned on, always helping wherever she was needed, including working alongside her son Anthony well into her 80s.

Marie's home was the heart of the family. Some of the family’s most treasured memories were created around Marie’s table. Her Italian Sunday dinners and every holiday from New Years, to Easter, to Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve were celebrated with her at the center of it all.  There was always room for one more and she warmly invited her friends from The Amsterdam to share our Christmas Eve feast. Over the years, the family grew from seven to nearly forty people, filling her home with laughter, stories and late-night card games! She loved vacations, trips to Atlantic City, days at the beach and every single moment spent with the Cousins Club; leaving behind a beautiful legacy of laughter, inside jokes, and unbreakable family ties! But nothing made her prouder and brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Marie never asked for much for herself. Her happiness came from seeing how happy the people were that she loved. She always encouraged her children to “Do what’s best for you and your family”, advice that reflected the way she lived her entire life — selflessly, lovingly, and with grace.

Although our hearts are broken, we are endlessly grateful for the 93 beautiful years we were blessed to share with her. The traditions she created, the values she instilled and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in all of us. She was truly one of a kind and she will be missed more than words can ever express.

Marie asked that everyone participating in the celebration of her life wear something red, her favorite color.