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Celebrating the life of
Eva Manoff Russo
October 03, 1941 - December 10, 2023
Eva Manoff Russo, 82, died peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2023 in Savannah, Georgia.
Eva was born to her parents Ruth and Arnold in New York City on October 3, 1941. She lived her entire childhood in the Van Cortland Park area of The Bronx. She later moved to Manhattan where she lived most of her adult life before retiring to Georgia. Eva was married to Joseph Anthony Russo on February 6, 1965. Joseph passed away on September 17, 2000.
Eva attended the prestigious High School Of Music and Art, graduating in 1958. While she attended the school as a vocal major she was an especially talented guitarist. This was a passion she would carry with her all of her life. She had an affinity for folk music, often getting friends and family together in her apartment at 700 Columbus Avenue for sing-a-longs.She graduated from Antioch College and later earned her Masters in Social Work from Hunter College in New York. She went on to a distinguished career in Social Work and Psychotherapy, working at The Child Welfare League of America, The Children’s Aid Society, The Lighthouse for the Blind, and Hillside Eastern Queens Hospital. Eva co-authored several research books for The Child Welfare League.
The daughter of two accomplished writers, Eva also wrote wonderful stories and essays about life, politics, and funny anecdotes. While at Antioch College, Eva won the O’Henry Prize for her short story Mama and the Spy. Eva was extremely politically active. She held firm beliefs that were core to her being and shaped her perspective on the world. She would often call members of Congress to be sure her voice was heard. Throughout her life Eva was a champion for social justice, actively participating in marches for both civil and workers rights. She was passionate about registering communities to vote. Eva volunteered regularly for clothing and food drives for communities in need, both locally and worldwide. An avid reader, Eva loved great stories. She loved children, animals, crafts, and music.
She is survived by her son Jerry, her daughter Lisina, her daughter-in-law Sue, her son-in-law John, her grandchildren Julia and Elias, her sister Dinah, her brother Tom, sisters-in-law Milagro and Maribeth, brother-in-law Arthur, nephews Desi and Oliver, her step-mother Lee, her dear cousins, Brenda, Michael, Gloria, Salme, Victor, Jerry, Chuck, Leslie and their children.
A memorial service will be held in Manhattan in 2024. Information is forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.splcenter.org/
A candle has been lit!
Eva was truly a ball of fire. She kept us all on our toes and most definitely had us all in stitches. We will really miss her. Thank you so much for sharing her with us! Rest in Peace Eva.
- Rita Slatus, Savannah, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
I miss our outings and lively discussions and swapping of books. My heart is broken for you and me.
- Jamie O’Brien, New Brunswick , NJ
Deepest condolences. I remember your mom fondly.
- Piero Tozzi, Washington , DC
My cousin Eva was the poet laureate of our family. Her work as the screen writer for Rod Sterling of Twilight Zone fame and her many other accomplishments played second fiddle to her role as spokesperson for her generation and that of our parents and descendants. She always found the right words at both sad and happy celebrations. Her sense of humor was sharp and penetrating. Her politics were both firm and progressive. She was an old soul from the day she was born and lived a good life. She will live on in the hearts of many many people. I loved her dearly, and our planet is poorer with her departure.
- Victor Weisser, Oakland, CA
I worked with Eva at FEGS and we became friends. I kept in touch with her throughout the years. I loved her and will miss her very much always. My deepest condolences to her family. Eva was a wonderful person. Warm and kind beyond words!.
- Dayse Fiano, longwood, FL
Eva was so full of life and laughter. Our family events will not be the same without her presence. She will live in our hearts and memories always.
- Thomas and Pamela Stoneburner, Lawrenceville, GA
We are so sorry for your loss. Eva was a great woman who will be missed by family and friends. She was a vocal political force and her legacy for political action will surely go on.
- Diane and Steve Hynes, Rockville Centre, NY
I considered Eva a good friend, and I felt part of the family. Oh the hours we spent together shopping and talking about anything & everything. We shared a love of pets, crafts and gardening. I was blessed to have her in my life, and I will miss her dearly. My condolences continue to go out to the family. I still can’t believe she’s gone. The world was a better place to have her in it.
- Valerie , Snellville, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200