Services Tuesday for longtime South Jersey farmer

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 19, for Anthony Russo III, a prominent farmer and businessman, who died in an accident last week on his South Jersey farm.

Mr. Russo, 73, of Tabernacle, was killed Saturday, April 16, when he was struck by a tractor on his family's vegetable farm in Burlington County. Police said the death was an accident.

Family members said Mr. Russo died doing what he loved, farming - second only to his family. He was a second-generation farmer and owner of Russo's Fruit & Vegetable Farm.

"He began his day as he had for over three-fourths of his life, with morning coffee brewing, the weather scanner chirping, and thoughts running through his mind about planning the day's farming activities," his obituary said.

After lunch with his wife of 50 years, Maryann, Mr. Russo returned to the fields, planting Jersey Fresh sweet corn, the obituary said.

"In a surreal twist of events, Tony was involved in a farming accident that ultimately ended his life. Planted into a farming family, cultivated to be the leader of one of South Jersey's most successful agribusinesses, rooted in strong family values, returned to the earth on the soil of his beloved Russo's Fruit & Vegetable Farm," the obituary said.

The family's farm business was started in 1940 by Anthony Russo Jr., Russo's father. It grew over the years from 86 acres to 500 acres and has become known for its roadside stand, which sells produce and baked goods.

Mr. Russo was a past president of the Burlington County Board of Agriculture and the Tabernacle Co-Operative Growers. He also helped establish the Sun National Bank and served on its board of directors for 25 years.

In addition to his wife, he is also survived by a son, Anthony IV; a daughter, Joan Gsell; six grandchildren; two sisters; and other relatives. The family said he "will be lovingly remembered for the man of strength that he was for so many."

A viewing was scheduled for 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, at the Church of the Holy Eucharist, 520 Medford Lakes Rd., Tabernacle. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Hainesport.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Home Society of New Jersey, Development Office, 635 S. Clinton Ave., Trenton, N.J. 08611.

- Melanie Burney