Patricia Ann Russo (Buckley), passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, after a two-year battle with Cancer.

Born in Chelsea on July 3, 1937, she grew up initially thinking that the Fourth of July fireworks were for her birthday celebration! She was known to friends as Pat, then later to her family as Mom and Nana Pat. Pat was a local beauty pageant winner. Pat graduated from Cathedral High School in Boston and has remained close friends with several classmates over these many years.

In 1960, Pat and her former husband, the deceased Joseph F. Russo, settled in Melrose, MA to raise their family. Pat was a resident of Melrose for over 66 years. Initially, she was a stay-at-home mom involved in school field trips, leading the Bluebirds groups, and her children's many activities. She traveled cross-country with her young family and then was happy to spend her summers on Cape Cod. Later, Pat began her career and worked as an Administrative Assistant at MIT in the Treasurer's Office. She ultimately retired early to begin a second career as a Tour Guide, leading trips in New England and then all over the world. Her international travel included several cruises in Europe, many visits to Ireland, England, Scotland, and France, as well as Iceland, China and Russia, but her favorite was Italy.

In life and in her travel adventures, Pat always had fun-filled stories of the people that she met and new friends that she made along the way. She relied on her sense of humor, grace, and her go-with-the-flow attitude to get through the bumps in the road. Pat enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with her family whenever possible.

Pat is survived by her children, Patricia M. Connors (Sean), Joseph M. Russo (Ann-Marie) and Lisa A. Cusolito (Paul). She was a cherished grandmother to Alexandra, Michael (Amelia), Nicholas (Marina), Michael, Christopher, Andrew & Maggie, as well as two great grandchildren, Elliot & Olympia.

Visiting hours for family and friends will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W Foster St., Melrose, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 4 pm- 7 pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Incarnation Catholic Church, 429 Upham St., Melrose.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/

or an organization special to you.