Angela M. Russo

Angela M. Russo, 84, of West Haven, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025 - 6 years after the passing of her beloved partner, Carol Colt.

Born in New Haven on December 12, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Carl F. and Rose (Weed) Russo. Angela is survived by her brothers, Carl (Annette) Russo of Connecticut and Paul (Sandy) Russo of Florida. She is also survived by her nieces Rosemarie (Jeff) Ghezzi and Toni Russo (Kevin); nephews David (Lauren) Russo, Stephen (Danielle) Russo, Jeff (Luanne) Russo, and Paul Jr. (Isabelle) Russo; and her many loving great-nieces and great-nephews. Throughout her life, Angela made lasting friendships, forming close bonds with more people than could be named. 

Angela lived a full and meaningful life, guided always by devotion to others and her boundless heart. She loved unconditionally, and in return, she was deeply loved by all who knew her.

At 18, she entered the convent as a sister of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, where she served faithfully for 14 years. After leaving the convent, she immersed herself in the New Haven community, joining hiking and photography clubs, becoming an active member of the Our Lady of Victory Parish, traveling widely, and embracing new adventures. She had a special love of lighthouses and, in 1976, even biked across the entire state of Virginia during the Bicentennial Bike Tour.

Though she did not have children of her own, Angela was a motherly presence to countless young people. To her nieces and nephews, she was the ever-present, devoted “Aunt Gela,” showering them—and later their children—with cards, gifts, and unwavering love. Her nurturing spirit extended into her long teaching career at Troop Middle School in New Haven, where she taught from 1974 until her retirement in 2009. She gave her time generously, forming after-school clubs and encouraging her students’ growth and creativity.

Angela was also an animal lover, caring for pets (Flopsy, Boots, Rusty and Mia) and wildlife alike, especially birds, and supporting local shelters through generous donations. At home, she also found joy in gardening, crafting, and collecting treasures of all kinds.

Arrangements were entrusted to West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. in St. John Vianney Church of St. John XXIII Parish, 300 Captain Thomas Boulevard, West Haven. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery, 280 Derby Avenue, West Haven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to WHEAT or the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in Branford.

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