Obituary of Robert J Dello Russo

Robert “Bob” Dello Russo, 71, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at Morris Hills Nursing Home in Morristown.

Bob was born and raised in Bernardsville and was a graduate of Bernards High School, Class of 1966.

He had a long and rewarding career in the real estate advertising department at The Bernardsville News.

Mr. Dello Russo was remembered as a hard worker and dedicated employee.

"Bob Dello Russo was a friend and colleague of ours for almost 50 years,'' said Stephen Parker, co-publisher of New Jersey Hills Media Group, publisher of this newspaper. "During his five decades selling ad space, he became the ‘go-to' guy all new reps would consult when confronting a difficult sale.

"He had a tremendous work ethic,'' he added. "At various points in his long career with us, he also operated a floor-refinishing business after hours and on the weekend.  Beyond his impressive work ethic and sometimes gruff exterior, Bobby was also a very thoughtful and caring friend who took a real interest in his colleagues.  Bobby enjoyed all types of music - but especially the great tenors Pavorotti and Bocelli -  and many times employees would return to the office after-hours to hear a beautiful aria wafting from Bobby’s sound system.''

Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman, and in 1973 shot a buck that was a nine-pointer that weighed 170 pounds with a rack of 22 inches. It was just six inches from the state record that year.

Bob also loved to play bingo and visit the various casinos with his friends.

He is survived by his son, Robert John of Sellersville, Pa.; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jack, Isabella and Ashley.

Also surviving are his brother, Anthony Dello Russo of Bernardsville and his sister, ChrisAnn Blair of Chaplin, Conn.; and uncles John Grof and Al Latino of Bernardsville.

Bob was predeceased by his sons, David James and Jonathan Anthony Dello Russo.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 1, at Sacred Heart Chapel, 47 Bernards Ave., Bernardsville.

In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family has asked that friends consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, Va., 22215.