Community celebrates centenarian

Birthdays are always a cause for celebration, but for Rose Russo, this year was extra special.
That’s because she turned 100 years young, and to wish her a very happy birthday, her neighbors came out on Saturday, June 14 for a block party across the street from P.S. 159 in Bayside.
Complete with balloons, a DJ, and of course food, the rain held out long enough for everyone to have a good time - especially Russo.
“I feel very happy,” she said as she sipped her drink in the shade and partygoers wished her a happy birthday.
The former seamstress then made a muscle and said 100 is “great.”
Born in Manhattan, Russo, who had three sisters and one brother, was married to Frank J. Russo for 68 years before he passed away in 1997.
The couple lived for about 20 years in Corona before moving to Bayside. Their two daughters attended P.S. 159.
“I think it’s wonderful, and I have the greatest admiration for her,” said Carol Hill, a relative, at the party.
Two days later, on Russo’s actual birthday, June 16, P.S. 159 students gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” and wish her all the best.
“It was absolutely the most touching thing that I’ve ever seen . . . It was wonderful, just wonderful,” said her daughter Ros Russo.
She said her mother loved it and was extremely happy. There are banners the children made hanging all over the house, she said.
As for 101, the younger Russo said, “We may as well have another block party. I mean everybody had so much fun we may as well do it again.”