Ralph Joseph Russo
December 28th, 1929 - April 23rd, 2025
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Ralph's Obituary
Ralph Joseph Russo of Benton Harbor, MI passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Visitation will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Starks and Menchinger Chapel. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to “Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care of Southwest Michigan”. Those wishing to share a memory of Ralph online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com .
The eldest of Joseph and Anna Russo’s twelve children, Ralph was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 28, 1929. His family later relocated to Michigan, where he met Lefty Lee Whitaker, who was his love at first sight. They wed on January 5, 1953, and have been married for 72 years.
Ralph’s love for machines, especially cars, motorcycles, and boats was innate. He attended Saint Agatha’s Catholic School in Chicago and later went to trade school for engineering, where he honed his skills and ability to transform any machine into a work of art.
In the late 1960, Ralph opened “Russo’s Harley Davidson,” specializing in both selling stock Harley’s and customizing motorcycles to meet his customers’ unique specifications. His expertise allowed him to perform a wide array of customizations, from simple adjustments to complete motorcycle transformations. During this time, Ralph also built his own 3-wheeled motorcycle, “Maximus,” which was awarded first place at the “World on Wheels” Motorcycle Show.
After closing his business in the 1970s, Ralph transitioned into a supervisory role as a shop team Superintendent at Griffin Dewatering. While this role showcased his leadership skills, his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for hands-on work never waned.
Upon “retiring” (so we thought), Ralph embarked on a new chapter, channeling his passion and expertise into restoring and maintaining his cherished 55-foot Robinson wooden boat, “The Gypsy Lady.” His days spent at the marina anchored him in the boating community, where his natural gift for boat repair and maintenance quickly became evident to all who worked with him.
Ralph, at the age of 65, decided to formalize his knowledge by becoming a certified Boatwright. This certification solidified his reputation as a skilled craftsman and the “go-to” person for boat maintenance and repairs. His extensive experience in the boat industry, coupled with his passion for the craft was something that brought him great pride and joy.
Ralph’s dedication to his craft and his unwavering work ethic kept him actively engaged with marinas well into his later years. He officially retired at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship, expertise, and a work ethic that was unmatched.
Ralph treasured family gatherings on Sundays and holidays, sharing delicious homecooked meals and spending quality time with loved ones. These gatherings were the center of cherished memories for his family. Family was paramount to him, and he exemplified the true meaning of a devoted family man.
In late August 2021, at the age of 91, he and his son-in-law, Ron, started building a 15-foot Chester Yawl. In true Ralph fashion, they completed the boat 3 months ahead of schedule with flawless execution and took it to the boat launch for a test run.
Ralph was a force to be reckoned with, but he was also kind and helpful to anyone in need. He was outgoing and loved to connect with others, his laughter being a trait that will be sorely missed by all who love him. Through his example of hard work and dedication, he mentored many young men and showed the importance of working towards a goal and being a man of your word.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lefty Russo, his son Ralph Anthony “Tony” Russo, Anna Russo-Sieber (Ron), Laurie Russo (Jim Pjesk); grandchildren Shane (Kelly) Russo, Shannon Russo, Matt (Kaitlin) Sieber, Brandon (Kate) Baum, Juliana Enders, Alex (Brittany) Baum, Max (Erin) Baum, Joseph Russo (Bailey Bingham); and fourteen great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. Surviving siblings of Ralph include Robert Russo, Bryan Russo & Annie Russo.
Ralph was preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph Sabatino “Jr.” Russo, Lorraine Schemenauer, Ebba Russo, Arlene Disch, Art Russo, Karine Russo, Alice Bobbi & Ronald Russo.
Rest in Heavenly peace to our gentle giant. We miss you dearly.
The Russo family extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice for the exceptional care and to Woodland Terrace of St. Joseph for their compassionate service provided for Ralph for so many months.
The eldest of Joseph and Anna Russo’s twelve children, Ralph was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 28, 1929. His family later relocated to Michigan, where he met Lefty Lee Whitaker, who was his love at first sight. They wed on January 5, 1953, and have been married for 72 years.
Ralph’s love for machines, especially cars, motorcycles, and boats was innate. He attended Saint Agatha’s Catholic School in Chicago and later went to trade school for engineering, where he honed his skills and ability to transform any machine into a work of art.
In the late 1960, Ralph opened “Russo’s Harley Davidson,” specializing in both selling stock Harley’s and customizing motorcycles to meet his customers’ unique specifications. His expertise allowed him to perform a wide array of customizations, from simple adjustments to complete motorcycle transformations. During this time, Ralph also built his own 3-wheeled motorcycle, “Maximus,” which was awarded first place at the “World on Wheels” Motorcycle Show.
After closing his business in the 1970s, Ralph transitioned into a supervisory role as a shop team Superintendent at Griffin Dewatering. While this role showcased his leadership skills, his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for hands-on work never waned.
Upon “retiring” (so we thought), Ralph embarked on a new chapter, channeling his passion and expertise into restoring and maintaining his cherished 55-foot Robinson wooden boat, “The Gypsy Lady.” His days spent at the marina anchored him in the boating community, where his natural gift for boat repair and maintenance quickly became evident to all who worked with him.
Ralph, at the age of 65, decided to formalize his knowledge by becoming a certified Boatwright. This certification solidified his reputation as a skilled craftsman and the “go-to” person for boat maintenance and repairs. His extensive experience in the boat industry, coupled with his passion for the craft was something that brought him great pride and joy.
Ralph’s dedication to his craft and his unwavering work ethic kept him actively engaged with marinas well into his later years. He officially retired at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship, expertise, and a work ethic that was unmatched.
Ralph treasured family gatherings on Sundays and holidays, sharing delicious homecooked meals and spending quality time with loved ones. These gatherings were the center of cherished memories for his family. Family was paramount to him, and he exemplified the true meaning of a devoted family man.
In late August 2021, at the age of 91, he and his son-in-law, Ron, started building a 15-foot Chester Yawl. In true Ralph fashion, they completed the boat 3 months ahead of schedule with flawless execution and took it to the boat launch for a test run.
Ralph was a force to be reckoned with, but he was also kind and helpful to anyone in need. He was outgoing and loved to connect with others, his laughter being a trait that will be sorely missed by all who love him. Through his example of hard work and dedication, he mentored many young men and showed the importance of working towards a goal and being a man of your word.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lefty Russo, his son Ralph Anthony “Tony” Russo, Anna Russo-Sieber (Ron), Laurie Russo (Jim Pjesk); grandchildren Shane (Kelly) Russo, Shannon Russo, Matt (Kaitlin) Sieber, Brandon (Kate) Baum, Juliana Enders, Alex (Brittany) Baum, Max (Erin) Baum, Joseph Russo (Bailey Bingham); and fourteen great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. Surviving siblings of Ralph include Robert Russo, Bryan Russo & Annie Russo.
Ralph was preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph Sabatino “Jr.” Russo, Lorraine Schemenauer, Ebba Russo, Arlene Disch, Art Russo, Karine Russo, Alice Bobbi & Ronald Russo.
Rest in Heavenly peace to our gentle giant. We miss you dearly.
The Russo family extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice for the exceptional care and to Woodland Terrace of St. Joseph for their compassionate service provided for Ralph for so many months.
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