Dian H. Russo

Dian H. Russo, 86, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2022. A lifelong resident of Rockford, Dian was born on August 6, 1936 daughter to Joe and Lorayne (Heibler) Greco. Dian married her soulmate Ralph Russo Sr. and became a devoted wife, mother and very successful business woman. An entrepreneur at heart, she owned and operated Dian’s Added Dimensions (womens clothing stores) and was equally successful as a realtor for Ingrassia and Gambino Realties, often holding the title of realtor of the month. She enjoyed a wonderful fashion sense and it showed in how she presented herself daily. A longtime parishioner of St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church, Dian served as President of the church’s Social Club for many years. She and Ralph enjoyed many trips including cruises and golf vacations with their close group of friends. Summer weekends were filled with family camping trips which steered them to building a cabin in the northwoods of Wisconsin where they loved spending time with family. After Ralph’s passing, Dian enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to Italy with her sons and close friends. An avid reader, she enjoyed a good “bodice ripper” romance novel when she wasn’t rooting tirelessly for her Cubs or Bears. For much of her life she enjoyed golf and bowling and later in life, she loved nothing more than a good game of cards with her family and friends. Recently she moved to Wesley Willows Suites and was very grateful for the care and kindness of her new friends there.

Throughout her life in Rockford she made countless friends who will always remember her as kind, caring and generous. Filled with people she loved, and who loved her right back, her life was truly a wonderful life! 

A loving wife, mother and Nana, Dian will be deeply missed by those who loved her most, her children Ralph (Lauren Cnare) Russo Jr., Linda (Gary) Burfield, Frank (Angelo Magallon) Russo; her grandchildren Mike (Meghan) Dzielak, Katie Dzielak, Irby Burfield, Olivia Russo, , Antonia (Christian Arias) Arias-Magallon, Arianna Magallon, and Athan Magallon; great grandchildren Joey Dzielak, Logan Dzielak and Maiverick Hanneman; brother Joe (Lisa) Greco, brother-in-law Jack Slade, and 2 adored cats; Oliver and Annie. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years, Ralph Russo Sr., her parents Joe and Lorayne, her brother Joseph Greco and sister, Kay Slade.

A visitation will take place on Friday, September 16, 2022 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave, Rockford, Illinois 61103 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Rockford, Illinois. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, assisted the family. to send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com