Leonard Vito Russo, Jr., age 66 of Canton, passed away February 7, 2023.

Leonard (Len) was born in Portland, Maine, in 1956. From a young age, Len loved everything to do with space and dreamed of becoming an aerospace engineer. Instead, following his college graduation with an electrical engineering degree, Len accepted a position with Ford Motor Company and moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1975. With hard work and a love for his job, Len got his Master's degree in Engineering Management the same year he married Tammy in 1999.

Everyone who knew Len described him as the kindest person they had ever met. Len registered as a bone marrow donor, donated blood regularly, bought boxes and boxes of girl scout cookies sold on every corner even if he didn’t like them, and he put money in the red kettles at Christmas every chance he got. Len never wanted any recognition for doing these things. He just did them quietly because he wanted to help others.

Len was the most patient man that ever existed. When his kids would lose the smallest lego piece in a 1200 piece set, Len would spend hours to find that piece. He wouldn’t stop until he found it, and he always did. Matthew and Mallory learned about the power of never giving up from Len.

Len was forever the optimist. There was nothing too big or too hard that couldn’t be achieved. Whenever something would go wrong, and it was hard to see the positive, Len would say “we are going to laugh about this some day”. He said it so often that it became a running joke.

The absolute joy of Len’s life was his family. He believed Mallory and Matthew were capable of achieving greatness, and was beyond proud of the wonderful people that had become. Len was immensely loved for the good human, great father, and wonderful husband he was. Len will be laid to rest in Hawaii where his most joyful days were spent on his honeymoon.

Leonard was the beloved husband of Tammy for 23 years. Loving father of Mallory and Matthew. Dearest brother of Josephine, Michael, Chris, Kathy, Betty Jo, Faith, and Mary.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Jo and Leonard Russo, Sr.

Arrangements entrusted to McCabe Funeral Home, Canton. A Memorial Service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Leonard's name may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Rd. #100, Southfield, MI 48033.