Russell C. Savarese

Russell C. Savarese, age 77, of Long Beach, MS, passed away on August 22, 2014.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, John J. and Susie Savarese; his brothers Johnny, Ernest, Harold, Jimmy, Alvin, Bidwell, and Ralph; and his sisters Mae Hayes, Mildred Woodward, and Daisy Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ione; his sister, Helen Graves of Gulfport; his son, Jason Savarese of Gulfport; his daughter, Rhonda Miketinas (John) of Lynnwood, WA; his grandsons Nicholas Miketinas and Stephen Miketinas of Lynnwood, WA; his granddaughter Anna Miketinas of Sano, Japan; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and other friends and family.
Russell served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, and retired from the Gulfport City School System. He had been a member of Burton Memorial United Methodist Church for 65 years.
Russell loved God, his country, his family and friends, his grand dog Bruno Savarese, fishing, a good meal, country music and was skilled with small engine repair. He played Santa for many years and was the king of the corny joke. He will be dearly missed, but we know he is rejoicing in Heaven with his big Italian family that preceded him in death.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 where friends may visit from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at Burton Memorial United Methodist Church, 2419 22nd Avenue, Gulfport. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the church with a visitation from 10:00 AM until the service. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd, Long Beach is in charge of arrangements. An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.