Joseph Russo

JOSEPH CHARLES RUSSO, 87 ROCKFORD Joseph Charles Russo, 87, of Rockford passed away Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, at home. Joseph was born Jan. 17, 1925, in Portland, Colo., son of Charles and Angelina Russo. He married his first wife, Katherine Ippolito, on June 10, 1956; she died Aug. 5, 1987. He then married Martie Schmidt in 1990. Joseph was a selfemployed plumber; he owned Automatic Soft Water for many years and was known as the Water King of Rockford. He was an avid Cubs and Bears fan. He was a member of the Independent Plumbers Association and former president of Lake Delavan Highland Association. He loved helping family and friends with projects and spending his summers at Lake Delavan. Survivors include wife, Martie; daughter, Dr. Angelina (Gary) Kula of Downers Grove; grandchildren, Adam and Benjamin Kula; stepchildren, Lisa Beebe of New Hampshire, Deb (Bill) Keenan of Rockford and Andy Schmidt of Machesney Park; stepgrandchildren, Heather, Matthew and Chris; and greatstepgrandchild, Asher; sister, Josephine (Barney) Alfano; several nieces and nephews. Also predeceased by parents. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford chapel, with Father William Wentink officiating. Visitation from 9 a.m. to service time Thursday at the funeral home.