Community mourns SJ farmer: 'A hard-core working man'

Second-generation Burlington County farmer Anthony Russo III made a mark on the business he loved as an advocate and mentor and role model for New Jersey farmers.

Russo, 73, a respected longtime farmer and pillar in the rural Tabernacle community, died Thursday afternoon after a tragic accident at his farm.

Russo, who owned Russo's Fruit & Vegetable Farm in Tabernacle, was struck by a tractor about 1:50 p.m., New Jersey State Police said Friday.

He was rushed by medics to Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

"He passed away doing what he loved, and along with his family, his business was not just a job, but was who he was," his daughter, Joann Gsell, 49, said Friday. "We're very saddened by this loss and in the days ahead, we hope we can gain strength by all that he taught us."

Russo was remembered fondly Friday as a leader in the agricultural industry - from the statehouse to the Tabernacle farming community, where the family farm is a cornerstone.

"It's a very sad day for our community," said Tabernacle Mayor Stephen Lee IV, also a farmer. "It is a huge loss."

At the Russo farm Friday, longtime customers stopped at its popular roadside market to offer condolences and make purchases. The market opened last month and remains in operation until December.

Family members, too, were back at work Friday, tending to the sprawling farm and farm market.

"This is what he would want - to keep it going," said a Russo family member working one of the fields. He declined to be named.

"Agriculture was his life," said Arthur Brown, former state secretary of agriculture and a close friend, choking back tears. "You're at a loss for words when you lose someone like that. It's a shame."

The family's farm business was started in 1940 by Anthony Russo Jr., Russo's father, who is deceased. It grew over the years from 86 acres to 500 acres today.

Located at the corner of Medford Lakes and Carranza Roads, the vegetable and fruit farm has become a premier farming location in New Jersey. It celebrated its 75th anniversary last year.

Over the years, the farm has become known for its roadside stand that sells fresh Jersey produce as well as home-baked pies and cakes, beloved by old-timers and newcomers alike. The farm market is best known for its mouth-watering apple cider doughnuts.

For Nicole Cabanas and her daughters, ages 3 and 5, the doughnuts have been an after-preschool ritual. Cabanas, 40, buying flowering plants Friday, said her family moved from Abington to Southampton two years ago, lured by delights such as fresh produce.

"I was so happy when I discovered this place," she said.

Bert Minnella, 70, of Medford, saddened to learn of Russo's passing, said he has been a regular customer for 15 years. He looks forward to spring when the market reopens each year.

"Everybody's so cordial and nice and helpful. They remember when you come," he said. "They're genuine."

Russo was largely the brainchild behind the farm stand, which was replicated by other farmers, Lee said. Russo embraced new ideas to boost the farm and market it to make it a destination attraction, he said.

"The Russo family has served as a bedrock in the Tabernacle area with their dedication to the farm and store. Many family traditions have been made because of Tony Russo," Jennifer Duffy wrote in one of the many tributes posted on the Russo Farm's Facebook page.

Mary Lou Hotz wrote: "He was a hard-core working man and family person. We should all live by his example!"

The farm also has two acres of greenhouses that produce bedding plants and hanging baskets. There is also a retail stand at the Trenton Farmer's Market.

"He knew all aspects of the industry," Brown said. "He spent a lot of time trying to maintain an efficient operation."

Eric Johnson, president of the Burlington County Board of Agriculture, described Russo as "a real genuine, hardworking guy who loved what he did."

"He was somebody I always looked up to and wanted to emulate in my farming career," said Johnson, a second-generation vegetable and fruit farmer in nearby Medford.

Russo was active in agricultural circles, politics, and the community. He was a former president of the Cooperative Growers in Tabernacle and was an interim director of Sun National Bank. His family were founding members of the Holy Eucharist Church in Tabernacle, Lee said.

"They're just a good, hardworking family," Lee said. "Our heart aches for them."

Details about the accident were sketchy. State police were investigating, but said "it appears to be an accident."

"As farmers we all do heavy-equipment operation all the time. It is dangerous," Johnson said. You just never know."

Gsell said her father and mother, Maryann Russo, were married for 50 years. He is also survived by a son, six grandchildren, and two sisters, she said.

Funeral arrangements were pending.

Anyone who would like to send condolences can email info@russosfruitandveg.com or go to the farm's website, www.russosfruitandveg.com.

mburney@phillynews.com

856-779-3814 @mlburney

Staff writer Julie Shaw contributed to this article.