Ruth "Shirley" Russo

Ruth “Shirley” (Ricketson) Russo, age 90, of East Haven, passed away May 21, 2022. Born in Acushnet, MA on November 1, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Allen and Edith (Johnson) Ricketson. A former resident of New Haven, Shirley resided most of her life in Hamden. She was the widow of Harold Russo, Sr. Shirley is survived by her children, Harold Russo, Jr. and his wife Mary of Killingworth, Shirley Colella of New Haven, Sandra Maloney and her husband Richard of Hamden, and Allen Russo and his wife Ann of Florida; grandchildren Denise O’Reardon, David Colella, IV, Harold Russo, III, Joyce Lyons, Adam and Michael Russo, Patrick, Elizabeth and Ryan Maloney, James and Kevin McDonnell, and Amy Pinaud. Shirley also leaves 17 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son-in-law David Colella, III. Shirley was a graduate of Hamden High School Class of 1949. When her children were grown, she worked for the former Leon’s Bakery, and a local Hamden answering service for many years. Shirley always enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a scorekeeper for the Newhallville Little League and Basketball and was backstage at every recital for her daughters. Her family would like to thank Dr. Evarts and her team in St. Raphael’s MICU for their kindness and compassion toward their mother.
Friends may visit with her family on Friday, May 27th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. During this time her Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be held privately with her family. All are asked to please wear a mask and observe social distancing. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.