Mario Russo passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the age of 93. Mario was born on April 14, 1933, in Fossalto, Italy, to Nicola Russo and Virginia Brienza Russo. He was raised on a small farm in the Apennine Mountains. After World War II, when Mario was 15, his father brought the family to the United States in search of a better life. They settled in Barberton, Ohio. Throughout his life, Mario was deeply proud of his Italian heritage and equally proud to be an American citizen.

While attending Barberton High School, Mario took up sports as a way to connect with his peers and quickly excelled. Athletics became a central part of his life, and he was later inducted into the Barberton Sports Hall of Fame.

Mario attended the University of Akron, where he was a four-sport athlete in football, wrestling, soccer, and lacrosse. He served as captain of the football team and earned All-American, All-Ohio, and All-Ohio Conference honors. He was also captain of the wrestling team, losing only one match as a freshman before going undefeated during his final three seasons. In recognition of his accomplishments, Mario was named Akron Zip’s “Athlete of the Year” in 1956 and was inducted into the University of Akron Athletics Hall of Fame and the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame.

After college, Mario began a distinguished football coaching career. He coached at several Ohio universities, including Heidelberg, Dayton, Toledo, Denison, and Bowling Green. In 1976, he was hired as an assistant coach for the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Over the next decade, he coached a variety of positions, including centers and guards, linebackers, and acted as defensive coordinator.

Following his retirement from Wisconsin, Mario was drawn back to his “home country” to coach in the Italian Football League. In Bologna, he became known as “Super Mario” after leading his team to two Italian Super Bowl championships in three seasons. He was later voted the Best Coach in the history of the Italian Football League.

Mario concluded his coaching career in the Arena Football League, serving as head coach of the Madison MadDogs and the Green Bay Bombers.

Mario truly loved coaching and formed lifelong friendships with countless players over the years. He recently celebrated his 93rd birthday with a couple dozen of his former players.

Mario married fellow Barbertonian Marion VonGrave on July 4, 1962. Together, they moved from team to team and city to city, raising five children before eventually settling in Middleton, Wisconsin. Mario was a devoted husband and father who thought the world of his children, grandchildren, and, most recently, his great-granddaughter. He especially loved watching his grandchildren compete in sports, particularly hockey, where he became a beloved figure among fellow hockey parents.

After Marion’s passing, Mario met Terri Wiedenbeck. Terri is a cherished friend who was always at Mario’s side, impressing Mario with her cooking skills almost every night. They enjoyed many social events with their wonderful friend group, including water volleyball at Fred and Marilyn’s pool!

Mario is survived by his children, Tony Russo, Michael (Kim) Russo, Connie (Douglas) McKoy, Paul (Jennifer) Russo, and Christopher Russo; his grandchildren, Nicholas (Josie) Russo, Alex (Laney) Russo, Travis (Maeve) McKoy, Mia McKoy, Olivia Russo, Alexa Russo, and Bennett Russo; his great-granddaughter, Evie Russo, whom he adored; his sister-in-law, Mary Russo; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; and his dear friend, Terri Wiedenbeck.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marion; his parents, Nicola and Virginia Russo; his sister, Nina (Nick); his brother, John; and his niece, Helen.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 15, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 602 Everglade Dr, Madison, WI. The visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service. A reception will be held at the church following the mass. A separate service and burial will take place at a later date in Barberton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans Charity - Non Profit Organization for Veterans

Mario will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. His strength, warmth, faith, and love of family and sport will never be forgotten.

Vivrà per sempre nei nostri cuori.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000

Mario Russo

April 14, 1933 - August 02, 2026

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