Elizabeth "Bette" (Mancini) Russo

Elizabeth M. Russo died peacefully and blessed at 100 years of age on July 30, 2022, at Community General Hospital. Elizabeth was better known as Bette to most and only as “Babe” to her husband Yale. Bette was the daughter of Italian immigrants Dominic and Francesca (Ruggerio) Mancini.  She was the youngest of five children (Gaetano, Mary, Rose, and Michael) and the only one of her siblings born in the United States.  She grew up on the Northside of Syracuse and graduated from North High School.

Bette was a born leader.  She completed her certification for the US Army Air Forces, Air Technical Service Command and worked at the Hancock Air Base.  She always told her family she was on the path to becoming a General.  However, after a long courtship Bette finally said “yes” and married Dominic (Yale) Russo.  Living only a block from her parents, she was a homemaker and raised four children: Linda Russo (Gary), Joseph Russo (Hollis), Anthony Russo (Doreen) and Mary Beth Vassallo (Leo).   Bette was fortunate to have five grandsons, one granddaughter and just this year became a great grandmother: Nicholas Russo (Emily), Matthew Russo, Vincent Russo, Michael Russo, Jason Vassallo, her namesake Leigh Elizabeth Vassallo and baby Sophia Russo.

Bette spent most of her time working around the house but in her time of leisure enjoyed spending time with her girlfriends going bowling, golfing, and taking those weekend shopping trips to New York City. Bette had a quick wit, a sharp sense of humor and loved to debate – just for the sport of it. In addition to her parents and siblings,

Bette is predeceased by her husband, Yale.  She is survived by her children and grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday August 5th at 11am in St. Daniel's Church. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Donations in Bette's name can be made to Francis House.

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