Statement: Princeton Public Affairs Group (PPAG) Mourns the Passing of John Russo, Colleague and Former Senate President

TRENTON, N.J., Aug. 14, 2017 -- Dale Florio of PPAG released the following statement today regarding the death of colleague and former Senate President John Russo:

“My colleagues and I at Princeton Public Affairs Group, Winning Strategies Washington and Princeton Strategic Communications mourn the passing of our friend and colleague, former Senate President John Russo. John joined our team in 1992 after a long career in the legislature. He showed no pretense of being a former legislative leader, former Acting Governor or gubernatorial candidate but a friend and mentor to his less experienced co-workers at a fledgling public affairs firm.”

“John was competitive. He did not like to lose. We watched him as a legislator and were amazed at his ability to bring competing sides together in order to get a bill to a Governor's desk. Lobbying, skiing or playing golf, John was always focused on the goal line as well as his beloved Giants.”

“John was at his best when telling stories. And, these stories often came after a session when he was holding court at a local eating establishment in the Chambersburg section of Trenton. When he "crossed the street" his stories kept us from taking politics too seriously. While he didn't like to lose, he reminded us that, if we did our best, there was no reason to hang your head.”

“We hesitate to call John a "throwback" when partisanship stayed in the statehouse and you could "break bread" together after the day's work. To us, John was and will always be an example of how those of us who engage in the science of politics should practice our craft.”

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Maryanne and the Russo family. John is a loss not only to those that knew him but to the countless New Jerseyans that benefitted from his focus on humanity in all that he did.”

Dale Florio
PPAG
[email protected] 

A viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at Anderson & Campbell funeral home, 703 Main Streets, Toms River. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 685 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.

About Princeton Public Affairs Group

For over a quarter century, the people of Princeton Public Affairs Group (PPAG) have earned an unprecedented record of success. As the top lobbying firm for twelve consecutive years, PPAG and its Circle of Companies span government relations, public affairs and communications. The PPAG team of senior leaders and trusted advisors serve clients in transportation, public safety, banking, insurance, energy, environment, land-use development, corporate, communications, education, health care, labor/employment, entertainment and gaming. The PPAG Circle of Companies includes Princeton Strategic Communications and the D.C.-based government relations firm Winning Strategies Washington and together they share a bi-partisan, team-based approach, a high ethical "playing by the rules" standard and a solid commitment to helping clients succeed.  About PPAG video.