SEBAGO — Gerard Russo, Sr., 81, of North Sebago died on October 1, 2023, with family members by his side.

He was born in Portland, the son of Ciro and Josephine Russo. Gerard graduated from Deering High School in 1960. He attended SMVTI after graduation.

He was a partner with his brothers in Dirigo Distributors and A.F. Briggs Co. of Portland. Then had his own business, Auto Air Inc. of So. Portland for 30 years. He married his wife Florence in 1967 and they had 56 happy years together.

Gerard loved Sebago Lake and spent his childhood there, and in 1969 moved his family to North Sebago. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed fishing on Sebago Lake. In later years, he enjoyed going to yard sales and auctions. He was a former communicant of St. Joseph Church in Bridgton and Our Lady of Sebago Chapel.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Mose, Ciro Jr. and Leonard Russo and granddaughter, Emily Ladd

Survivors include his wife, Florence; daughter, Anne Russo-Ladd and her husband Guy of New Gloucester; two sons Gerard Russo Jr. of Sebago and Steven Russo and his wife Tara of Casco; eight grandchildren: Alexander, Dakota, Hunter, Bella, Nico Russo. Abigail, Thomas and Matthew Ladd.

Visiting hours for Gerard will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 5 at the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 6 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 South High St. in Bridgton. Interment will follow at the Hancock Pond Cemetery in Sebago.

Gifts may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.