Philip Peter Russo, 77, died Monday, June 23, 2014, at Harbor Chase of Vero Beach. Philip was born in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Felice and Rose Russo.
He attended Brooklyn College where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. He served as the Director of Personnel for both the Manhattan District and the North Atlantic Region of the Internal Revenue Service.
He was a charter member of the Federal Senior Executive Service. Philip was also appointed as the Assistant Director of Personnel and Taxpayer Service. Upon retirement from Federal service, he was a Consultant to the National Academy of Public Administration, traveling to Europe, Egypt and Jamaica on various projects.
Philip and his wife, Susan, moved to Vero Beach in 1996 where he became certified as a Master Gardener. He also served on the Tree and Beautification Committee for many years and was a past member of the Indian River Genealogy Society.
Philip was an artist, loved to travel and self-published two books of historical fiction.
Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Susan J. Trempe; daughters, Jeanne Russo (Gregory) Avila and Rosanne (Gregory Funkhouser) Russo; and three grandchildren, Christopher, Stephanie and Darin.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Anthony and Gerard Russo.
No services are planned locally at this time.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach, P.O. Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 32961.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com