Anthony Russo

ANTHONY "TONY" RUSSO JR.,
CARMEL and PITTSFIELD.

Anthony "Tony" Russo Jr., 80, of Carmel and formerly of Pittsfield, Maine, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at the Maine Veterans' Home in Bangor.

He was born on July 31, 1944, in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Anthony Russo Sr. and Anna (Thomas) Russo. Tony graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School with the Class of 1962. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for 10 years before transferring to the U.S. Coast Guard, where he completed another 10 years of service and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.

During the early years of his military service, Tony married Carole Cheesman. Together, they celebrated 59 years of marriage in February 2025.

During his distinguished career, Tony served as the Coast Guard's only executive chef. His final duty station was in Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for overseeing food service operations at all Coast Guard installations and vessels throughout the United States and abroad. He was also a gifted chef and a proud member of the American Chef's Association.

After his retirement from the military, Tony and Carole made their home in Maine. There, Tony realized his longtime dream of opening a restaurant-Corriander's in Pittsfield-which he operated for eight years.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Carole (Cheeseman) Russo; his children, Andrew Russo and his wife, Summer, of Albany, Oregon; Lisa Boutwell and her husband, Jeff, of Pittsfield, Maine; Kathleen Russo of Bangor, Maine; and Donna Sawtelle and her husband, Jerry, of Saint Albans, Maine. He also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren-Jeffery, Madison, Jenna, and Noah, who lived with his grandparents and provided care-as well as two great-grandchildren, Nolan and Brady.

He is also survived by his sister, Anna Simons and her husband, Dan, of Norristown, Pennsylvania; his brother, Michael Russo and his wife, Robin, of Glendora, New Jersey; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tony was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph, William, John, and Paul.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Pittsfield, ME, on July 26th, 2025, at 9:00 am. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments immediately after at the Parish Hall, next to the church. Condolences to the family may be expressed at SimpleCremationofMaine.com.