Obituary for Russell S. Morfino
Russell S. Morfino, of Warren, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born January 1, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Sebastiano and Girolama Morfino. Beloved husband of Veronica Morfino. Dearest father of Gina Morfino, Marisa Mirabile, and Laura (Vaso) Berishaj and step-father of Renee (Josh) Maly, and Rebecca Brookens. Loving grandfather of Griffin (Krystyn), Sabrina, Gabriella, Sofia, Santino, Blaine, Nicholas, Cordelia, Megan, Zooey, and Meghan and great-grandfather of Emarosa, Sequioa, and Lorenzo Russell. Dear brother of the late Vincent (the late Ilene) Morfino and the late Joanna LaSala. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
God blessed Russell with over 90 years in his life, and even at 90 years old, you could often find him discussing current events and telling endless stories of the old days and his many trips and experiences around the world. From growing up in the old neighborhood in Detroit, to working at his parents’ meat market grocery store, overachieving in athletics in his high school days, or recounting when he joined the Army as an Artillery Man and was stationed out of Delta Junction, AK, he cherished sharing these stories and memories with his loved ones, with a smile on his face and joy in his eyes. After being honorably discharged from the Army (where he earned his Golden Gloves in boxing), Russell became a barber, eventually owning and operating his own shop; developed a passion for hunting and being outdoors which led to him becoming a Champion Skeet & Trap Shooter as well as serving as President of the Richmond Sporting Club; got married, and raised 3 beautiful girls (accompanied by a whole heap of grandkids!). He found the love of his life and spent his final days reliving it all with those who loved to spend time with him and hear his stories.
Russell was also not your typical 90 year old. Sure, many people may say 90 years is a long and fruitful life, but at 90, Russell wasn’t ready to quit living life! ‘Father Time’ never slowed him down, and often he would make his wife Veronica ride shotgun just so he could drive to family get togethers! Russell truly personified unconditional love; no matter what the circumstances were or discomfort he may have been in, he never let it ruin his day and would continue to let his smile, personality, and heart of gold brighten the days of others.
Though Russell’s passing leaves us with great sorrow, when we are able to look back at the 90 years he shared with us, the memories can’t help but put a smile on your face and fondly make you think, “Boy! What A Legend That Man Was!”
Family and friends will gather on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. until an 11 a.m. Memorial Mass at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Catholic Church, 18720 E. Thirteen Mile Road (at Kelly Road) Roseville. Russell’s ashes will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan at a later date.
God blessed Russell with over 90 years in his life, and even at 90 years old, you could often find him discussing current events and telling endless stories of the old days and his many trips and experiences around the world. From growing up in the old neighborhood in Detroit, to working at his parents’ meat market grocery store, overachieving in athletics in his high school days, or recounting when he joined the Army as an Artillery Man and was stationed out of Delta Junction, AK, he cherished sharing these stories and memories with his loved ones, with a smile on his face and joy in his eyes. After being honorably discharged from the Army (where he earned his Golden Gloves in boxing), Russell became a barber, eventually owning and operating his own shop; developed a passion for hunting and being outdoors which led to him becoming a Champion Skeet & Trap Shooter as well as serving as President of the Richmond Sporting Club; got married, and raised 3 beautiful girls (accompanied by a whole heap of grandkids!). He found the love of his life and spent his final days reliving it all with those who loved to spend time with him and hear his stories.
Russell was also not your typical 90 year old. Sure, many people may say 90 years is a long and fruitful life, but at 90, Russell wasn’t ready to quit living life! ‘Father Time’ never slowed him down, and often he would make his wife Veronica ride shotgun just so he could drive to family get togethers! Russell truly personified unconditional love; no matter what the circumstances were or discomfort he may have been in, he never let it ruin his day and would continue to let his smile, personality, and heart of gold brighten the days of others.
Though Russell’s passing leaves us with great sorrow, when we are able to look back at the 90 years he shared with us, the memories can’t help but put a smile on your face and fondly make you think, “Boy! What A Legend That Man Was!”
Family and friends will gather on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. until an 11 a.m. Memorial Mass at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Catholic Church, 18720 E. Thirteen Mile Road (at Kelly Road) Roseville. Russell’s ashes will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan at a later date.