This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Russo, Mackowski, Kempner Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5026/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Nicholas J. Russo Jr., 72, of Las Cruces, NM, formerly of Elkhart, Indiana passed away on December 12th, 2010 after a brief illness at La Posada Hospice surrounded by family. Nicholas was born December 17th, 1937 to Nick Sr. and Teresa Mackowski in Elkhart. He is survived by his wife Shirley J, whom he married October 6th, 1962; daughter Sharon A. and her longtime companion Mitchell Miller of Granger, Indiana; son Michael E. of Kempner, Texas; sister Delores Jean (Firmer Merrick); five nephews, four nieces, and 19 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death recently by his mother in 2009 and his father in 2010. Nick was a 1955 graduate of Elkhart H.S. and served in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft mechanic. He owned and operated Pierre Moran Liquor Store in Elkhart for 40 years before his retirement in 1999, he moved with his wife to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 2006. Nick was a member of the Catholic Church, the DAV, Endowment member of the NRA, Board member of the St. Joe Restoration Club, 50 year member of the United Commercial Travelers, member of Indra Guild-Ancient Mystic order of Bagmen of Bagdad. He enjoyed Nascar and traveling, and was a fan of old cowboy westerns. Nick, with his no-nonsense attitude, and unique sense of humor, will be deeply missed by family and friends. Arrangements by LaPaz-Grahams Funeral Home. There will be no services or visitation, cremation to take place. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on December 14, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.