Obituary of Christopher James Del Russo

Christopher James Del Russo, of Hopatcong, N.J., passed away on Thanksgiving, November 28th, 2024, from a heart attack while being transported to St. Claire's Hospital in Dover, N.J.

Born on May 13th, 1953, in Glen Ridge, N.J., to Alfred and Janet Del Russo, Chris lived a life of creativity, passion, perseverance, and love. He was 71.

Chris grew up in a family with seven siblings. He was predeceased by his brothers Steve and John and his sister Donna, and is survived by his brothers Al and Damien and his sisters Mary Hayes and Judy Mihal, all of whom were lifelong sources of love and connection. Despite losing his sight as a child, Chris never let the challenges and obstacles he faced define him. Chris was a man of relentless determination and spirit, always striving to grow better and stronger each day. After graduating from DePaul High School, Chris attended Ramapo College before earning his Bachelor of Science degree and Master's degree with high honors and a 4.0 GPA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Chris then began his career as a probation officer in Morristown, N.J., later transitioning to a role in computer and electronic manufacturing at Bios International in Butler, N.J.

Chris is survived by the love of his life, Linda, who he married on September 8th, 1979, beginning a 45-year journey filled with love, faith, and family. Together, they raised four sons: Matthew Del Russo, Andrew Del Russo (fiancé, Michelle DiParisi), Gregory Del Russo (longtime girlfriend, Evelyn), and Michael Del Russo (wife, Cara) each of whom reflects Chris's legacy of creativity, determination, and love for music and sports. Chris was incredibly proud of his sons: Andrew and Mike, who serve as United States Marines and have built profound careers in law enforcement; Greg, who excels as a dedicated school administrator and competitive bass angler; and Matthew, whose talents as a musician reflect Chris’s own passion for music.

Chris was a gifted guitarist, singer, and songwriter who shared his artistic expression and talents by performing at local venues such as Kennedy’s Restaurant in Budd Lake and Danielle's Pub in Landing, N.J. Chris also collected sports memorabilia, especially baseball cards, and was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. His love of fitness, weightlifting, and running showed his endless motivation and desire to keep improving.

Above all, Chris's life was defined by his love for his family. He found true joy in the successes of his children and in his role as grandpa to his four grandchildren, Andy’s four children: Maddie, Grant, Natalie, and Giuliana, who always brought a smile to his face. His faith as a Christian Baptist, guided by the teachings of Charles Stanley and In Touch Ministries, was a constant source of strength and inspiration, and a guiding light in his life. Chris’s faith only grew more over time, as he needed to lean on God to guide him through each challenge.

While Chris’s determination, care, and appreciation for others will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on in his songs and in the hearts of all who knew him. Chris will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was a testament to endless love, hope, and perseverance.

The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, December 7th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, located at 2122 Millburn Avenue in Maplewood, N.J. followed by a prayer service at 4:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to causes that Chris held near to his heart, including the National Federation of the Blind, as a way to honor his memory and the values he lived by.

Chris’s passing on Thanksgiving—a day of gratitude—serves as a constant reminder of how much he cared for those around him. He lived with a selfless heart, inspiring others through his strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in a brighter tomorrow.