Deacon Russell A. Missureli

With a life firmly rooted in serving others, Deacon Russell Missureli made a significant impact in the lives of many. He was a man of faith who was well known, loved, and respected within the community he called home throughout his life. Russell was blessed to share most of his life with his true love, and together they experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. Life wasn’t without times of trial for him, but he faced whatever came his way with great strength and courage. A dear man to many, Russell will be forever missed.

At the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader for the first time. Poised for greatness, our nation led the way to the innovation that fueled the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties. It was just as this decade was dawning that John and Giovanna (DeFazio) Missurelli were blessed with the birth of the baby boy they named Russell on November 13, 1920, in Racine, Wisconsin. He was one of seven as he was joined in his family by his brothers, Peter, Sam, Frank, and Joey, and his sisters, Nellie and Jennie. Russell attended local schools including St. Catherine’s High School. Later, he attended St. Francis Seminary. During WWII Russell served as a tech sergeant in the Quartermaster School of the United States Army at Fort Lee, Virginia. He started his career working for Louis Matagrano & Sons and later purchased the company with an associate and founded Marquette Distributing Company.

Of great significance during Russell’s years as a young man was his introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Helen Matagrano, and it didn’t take them long to fall in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together they were married on November 28, 1941, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span more than 67 years. Together they welcomed their son, Russell “Rusty” into their hearts and home. Later in life he was filled with great joy to welcome daughter-in-law Suzanne and two grandchildren, Andrew “Drew” and Andrea, into the family.

Russell was ordained a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 1981, and this began his longtime service to others. He served with the pastoral teams at St. Patrick’s Parish, St. Rose Parish, St. Casimir, and St. Edward’s Parish. For 30 years, Russell volunteered as a chaplain at St. Mary’s Medical Center, brought communion to the homebound, held communion services at Killarney Kourt and Fountain Hills Senior Living with his last prayer service being held on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd, was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1207, and was active with the Serra Club promoting vocations. Russell was awarded Pope Pius X Medallion by Milwaukee Archbishop William E. Cousins for teaching. As a deacon his prayer was the following, “Lord, make it possible for me to put a smile on one sad face, to touch one lonely life with grace. To dry one’s tears, to calm one’s fears, to bring to life Your love and grace.” Russell taught religious education at St. Patrick’s Parish for eighteen years and was trustee for nine years. In 1975 he was recognized for 22 years of service for the Archbishop Fund Drive and was given a medallion as a gift from Archbishop Cousins from his “Ad Limina visit to Rome.”

In addition, Russell was a 77-year member of his beloved Roma Lodge where he served as chaplain for many years, served as president for 13 terms, ran Bingo on Thursday nights for 40 years, and was known to always have a festival raffle ticket for sale in his pocket. Just this past May, Russell was honored by the Sons of Italy and was the proud recipient of the Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence. With a desire to serve within his community in a different way, Russell served on the City of Racine Ethics Committee, served as director and chairman on St. Monica’s Senior Citizens Board, and was a member and spiritual leader of the Northside Business Association for more than 50 years. He was a wealth of information on the history of Racine as well as on a variety of other subjects. As his family and friends can attest, Russell was also a great storyteller. Throughout his life he was an avid Norte Dame fan, and in his younger years he enjoyed attending football games.

Kind, compassionate, and selfless, Deacon Russell Missureli was an extraordinary man to know and love, He was an amazing counselor and eager to serve others in countless ways both great and small. Although Russell loved caring for others, there was no greater reward in life than being a husband, father, and grandfather. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his friends and loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Deacon Russell Missureli, passed away on Friday, October 26, 2018. Survivors include his two grandchildren, Andrew “Drew” Missureli of Winters, CA, and Andrea Missureli of Madison, WI; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Missureli of Madison; and sisters-in-law, Gina Missurelli of Kenosha, and Marie Missurelli of Scottsdale, AZ; as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, dear neighbors and friends, all a part of his extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; son, Russell “Rusty”; sisters, Nellie Romano and Jennie Missurelli; and brothers, Peter, Sam, Frank and Joey Missurelli. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 4, 2018 from 1:00 — 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home (Roma Lodge service at 2:30 p.m.) and Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Avenue, Monday, November 5, 2018, 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Entombment with Full Military Honors will follow at Calvary Garden Crypts. Memorials to the Russell and Helen Missureli Scholarship Fund, Health Care Network Inc., or St. Edward Catholic Church have been suggested.