Samuel A. Russo, 88, of Hamden and Wallingford, died Oct. 24, 2011 at the Masonicare, Wallingford. He was the beloved husband of almost 61 years to Audrey O'Brien Russo. Sam was born and raised in the Highwood section of Hamden June 15, 1923, the son of the late Joseph and Antoinette Pascarella Russo and joined the Marine Corps in 1943, serving with the 3rd division, 21st Regiment, 2nd Battalion, G-Company and fought during the battle of Iwo Jima, receiving a near fatal wound. After a long recovery, he entered a two year training program at New Britian General Hospital to become a radiologic technologist, where he remained for nine years after he completed his training, then moved, in 1959, to Gaylord Hospital as Chief Radiologic Technologist, retiring in 1989. He served twice as President of the Conn. Society of Radiologic Technologists and once as secretary. He also served as Councillor to the Society of Radiologic Technologists. The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone at Masonicare for their compassion and skill in easing his final journey. Beside his wife, Sam is survived by devoted children, Gail Russo of Australia, sons, Joseph ( Kate) Russo of Maryland and Richard Russo of Wallingford, beloved grandfather and great-grandfather of Stacey, Georgia, Hayley, Matthew, Michael and Devan, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles cousins, brothers and sisters in law, all of whom he loved very much. He was pre-deceased by his beloved daughter, Karen Russo Manson and a sister, MaryAnn Russo Funeral Saturday, with military honors, at 9:l5, from the Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Ave., Hamden and at Blessed Sacrament Church at 10 o'clock. Interment in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the Iwo Jima Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 310516, Newington, Ct. 06131