Chief Thomas J. Russo, 86, a lifelong resident of Montclair, New Jersey passed away on
Thursday, December 7, 2023. Born on April 8, 1937, in Montclair, he grew up in a
predominantly Italian-American neighborhood in the 4 th Ward. He attended Montclair High
School where he excelled at football, basketball and baseball. Seven days after graduating from
high school he joined the United States Navy and was assigned to the U.S.S. Dash MSO 428.
When his tour of duty ended in 1959, he returned home and met his future wife Imelda
("Mel"). On November 4, 1962, he married his beloved Mel. He began his police career as a
beat cop at the Montclair Police Department in 1960. He rose through the ranks and served
over 40 years on the Township of Montclair Police Department. He was a Superior Officer for
over 25 years, the last 8 years as Chief of Police. Upon retiring from Chief, he was appointed as
Director of Public Safety. He is also a graduate of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the Law
Enforcement Executive Development Association in Washington, D.C. and the Secret Service
Dignitary Protection Program in Washington, D.C. He is also a proud graduate of Montclair State
University which he attended much later in life, and which took him 8 years to achieve his
Bachelor of Science Degree. His proudest achievement was his family whom he loved more
than anything in the world.
Thomas was the son of the late Dominic and Rose Russo (nee Petronaci). He was also the
brother of the late Nina Ofsak married to his best friend, the late Essex County Police Deputy
Chief, Charles Ofsak. He is survived by his beloved wife Imelda (nee Finn) of 62 years. He was
the loving father of the late Donna Russo, Dawn Donohue (nee Russo) and her husband James
Donohue and Diane Mautone (nee Russo) and her husband Vincent Mautone. His greatest love
was his six adored grandchildren, Melissa Mautone, Caitlin Fitzgerald (nee Donohue) and
husband Jack, Stephanie Mautone, Dane Mautone, Brian Donohue and Nicole Mautone. He is
also survived by his loving nieces Angela Pilsbury and Michele Ofsak. He is also survived by
many friends and his special lifelong best friend of 80 plus years, Rocky Cifalino and his wife
Annette.
Relatives and friends are invited to visitation on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 3 p.m. until
7 p.m. at the Caggiano Funeral Home, 62 Grove Street, Montclair, New Jersey. Funeral services
will be at 10am on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Mount Carmel Church, 94 Pine Street, Montclair,
New Jersey. Interment will take place at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Montclair, New
Jersey.