Russell S. Gurciullo
May 1, 1932 – February 8, 2025
Russell S. Gurciullo (Russ), 92, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully in his home on February 8, 2025.
Born on May 1, 1932, to Sebastiano and Nettie (Campisi) Gurciullo, Russ grew up in Little Italy (Omaha) the middle of three children. He proudly served his country in the US Army before completing his bachelor’s degree in business administration from The University of Omaha. Russ devoted over 34 years as a Senior Underwriter at Mutual of Omaha.
Russ met the love of his life, Mary Susanne “Susie” Conway Gurciullo. Russ and Susie were married on May 5, 1956, at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha, starting their 65-year married life together. They welcomed six children, Lynne, Mike, Lori, Lisa, Matt and Steve and raised them in the Dundee/Memorial Park neighborhood.
He and Susie were passionate about family and travel and would often pack up the family in their station wagon and venture all over the United States. They were also blessed to visit Sicily with all six kids to introduce them to the Sicilian side of the family. They returned to Sicily many times and traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East.
Russell, also known as Papa, was faithful, loving, hardworking and patient as a father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is preceded in death by his wife, Susie Gurciullo; parents, Sebastiano and Nettie Gurciullo; parents-in-law, Bernard J. and Dorothy Conway; sisters, Lucille Chizek, Catherine Rosenthal; sisters-in-law, Sally O’Rourke, Mary Conway; brothers-in-law: James M. Conway, John R. Conway, Dick Chizek, Delbert Rosenthal; niece, Denise Stein.
He is survived by his six children: Lynne Gurciullo (Michael Shonka), Michael Gurciullo (Elaine), Lori Gurciullo (Steve Peters), Lisa Gurciullo, Matthew Gurciullo, Steven Gurciullo; nine grandchildren: Jasmine Gurciullo, Isabella Gurciullo, Francesca Gurciullo, AnaLeza Clark, Dominic Gurciullo, Olivia Clark, Ethan Clark, Mia Gurciullo Byington (Ian), Anna Gurciullo; great-grandson, Jett Russell Brito; and two great grandsons due in Spring. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:30AM, with VISITATION beginning at 9:30AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge St., Omaha.
INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.
To view live broadcasts of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
6 Comments
My deepest sympathies for the passing of dear Russ. He was the best Father-In-Law and kindest man I’ve ever known. Our family was so blessed to have him as our Patriarch. Only happy and joyful memories of our times together.
My deepest condolence to your family. I have many fond memories of him when we were in medjugoria. He was a great and very prayerful man. Please be assured of my prayers.
Mike , Elaine and the Gurciullo family-
I first met Russ in 1974-1975. We reconnected when he would bring Susie in for her hair appointments. All he needed was a cup of coffee and a good book. He was always so kind! What a beautiful celebration of life you had for your Dad (Papa) today. His life was a blessing to all and his memory a treasure.
Love and peace and prayers to all of our family grieving. Uncle Russ was always the most kind, the most intentional, authentic, man. He truly showed his love for Christ through serving others every single day in one way or another; he was helping people always. My thoughts are with my family. I love you all. Rest in power, Rosario.
My prayers are with you all. He was one of a kind.
What a wonderful man Russ was. I worked with him at Mutual of Omaha many years ago. Along with all the other co-workers, I loved his kind heart, sweet sense of humor, caring personality – and everything about him. I’ve thought about him often since leaving Mutual. (I remember that Russ loved the hot potato salad that the chefs made in Mutual’s cafeteria. He always came back to his desk and told us how good it was.) <3 . May God comfort your family.
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