Augustine "Gus" J. Russo

Augustine J. “Gus” Russo, 84, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, at Crouse Hospital. A lifelong resident of Syracuse, Gus was the first born of James Russo and Sophie (Kolodziejczyk), on June 25, 1942.

Gus was a proud attendee of Central Tech and while he did not graduate as the paycheck he earned as a sandwich delivery person appealed to him, he went on to earn his GED. Under the mentorship of his Uncle Eddie Kolod, he worked for Pelkey Electric where he learned and excelled in his trade as an electrician, later taking him to The R.E. Dietz Company and finishing his career at Reva Plastics as Maintenance Manager.

Gus was a spirited harness racing horse owner primarily racing at Vernon Downs, as well at Dover Downs and Saratoga Raceway. Often times these out of town travels & ensuing mayhem were with his lifelong friend John Colagiovanni.

To say bowling was a large part of Gus’s life, would be an understatement. Gus authored 32 perfect games, as well as 5 – 800’s, and countless other award scores and high average achievements. Gus truly valued the multiple league championship teams he bowled on and his teammates, which consisted of both family members and friends. Gus was very active in tournaments bowling locally, New York State USBC and Empire State Games, as well regionally and nationally where he competed in over 20 ABC’s. While he earned several wins across multiple events and consistently had high finishes, his proudest achievements were winning the Herald Masters in 1983, the Van Wie’s Doubles 4 times as well as winning the NYS Mixed Team and Mixed Doubles with his wife, Marcia. Gus will tell you however, that it was the Solvay Doubles where he truly learned to bowl and where his fierce, competitive spirit was born. Gus was a regular competitor & winner on Syracuse’s local TV show, “Syracuse Bowls”. The culmination of these many successes led to his induction in the Syracuse Bowling Hall of Fame in 1994. Bowling cultivated many long-standing valued friendships, provided great travel, and ultimately how he met his wife Marcia, at Syracuse Bowling Center in 1989, and married in 1994.

Gus’s pride was also deeply instilled in their Fairmount home, where they were married. There was nothing Gus couldn’t fix or make, and only until recently did they hire any help, as they did all their own repairs, remodels, snow removal and landscaping. When Gus wasn’t bowling, golfing with Marcia, or working at home, you would find him fishing on his boat, the “L’Il Marcie”, on Oneida Lake or Lake Ontario. Friends and family were always aboard to enjoy the day, many laughs, and catching fish! Gus and Marcia also thoroughly enjoyed traveling which took them across the US, Canada, Mexico, Italy and Venezuela. Recent years kept them closer to home with Atlantic City and Del Lago providing much enjoyment.

Above all, Gus deeply loved his family and was predeceased by his parents Jim & Sophie, his sister Diane, his sister-in-law Betty, and nephew Christoper. Gus is survived by his devoted wife & best friend of 32 years, Marcia, their cherished furbabies Taco and Skipper, brother Walter, sister Sharon (Al Morgan), as well as his Aunt Nancy, several nephews, nieces, and cousins. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 starting at 4 pm, at New Comer Cremation & Funerals, 705 N. Main St., North Syracuse, NY 13212. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 10 am. Burial will follow at Assumption Cemetery, in Syracuse NY.

In lieu of flowers, Gus would want you to plant flowers or a tree to enjoy for years to come. He also asks that you contribute to the CNY Cat Coalition. Click here to donate. or any animal charity or health care charity of your choice.

Special thanks to the 5 South team at Crouse Hospital for their incredible, compassionate care given recently to Gus, as well as Upstate Urology, Cardiology and Oncology for their years of care given. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Alvarenga of FCMG, who provided ongoing care, support, and advocacy for Gus. And to neighbors Ceil, cousin Tony and especially Cassie for their wonderful help and caring support of Gus.

To share a memory of Gus or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.