Obituary: Patricia Valenza Russack, 73

Byles-MacDougall Funeral Service

GROTON, CT - Patricia Valenza Russack, 73 of Groton, died unexpectedly Monday March 30, 2020 at the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London.

Pat, as she liked to be called, was born March 18, 1947 to Pasquale Valenza and Rose Abbott Valenza. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, graduated from Lincoln High school and was a swimmer. Pat made her contribution to the community by being an ombudsman in the US Navy when her husband Barry Russack, TMCM(SSDV) was deployed.

She worked for the Department of Defense at the US Sub Base New London and managed the pool, lakes and marina as a division of moral welfare and recreation for sailors and their families for 30 years before retirement. She taught generations of children, families, and sailors how to swim. “Miss Pat was my swim teacher” is a common memory for many. Pat, a devout Catholic, taught CCD and was a Eucharistic minister at variety of Catholic Churches throughout her life moving around as a Navy wife. Pat served the girl scouts of America and volunteered with Special Olympics.

Pat was an excellent cook who took special joy in cooking for her family. Pat loved sewing, crocheting, and knitting making beautiful bridesmaids dresses for her daughters and sweaters for her grandchildren. Pat enjoyed running, including running 5 marathons; East Lyme 2x, NYC 2x and beloved Marine Corps in 1989 where she received a silver medal in her division. She continued to run every day upwards of 9 miles a day.

Pat loved many things, most importantly her 5 grandchildren. She was proud to have two of her oldest granddaughters; Jazelle and Myiah graduate from college, 2 grandsons Quinton and Jonathan in college, and high schooler Jaxon well on her way to making her own path.
Pat was a true steward and the pillar of her neighborhood. Pat could be found mowing, raking and shoveling snow to help fellow neighbors. She was generous to children and adults in the neighborhood by giving special gifts. Pat always had a kind word with occasional quick and witty humor.

Pat is survived by her beloved husband Barry B. Russack, married 53 years, who she lovingly nagged to stay on his diet, go the gym and go to the doctors. Further survived by oldest daughter Dr. Leah Russack-Baker, her husband Joe and son Jonathan. Youngest daughter, Bari Russack-Cradeur, and her husband Dan, and their children Jazelle, Myiah, Quinton, and Jaxon. Pat’s brother Michael Valenza and his family.

As per Pat’s request, please no flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pat’s memory to Sacred Heart Parish, 56 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton, CT 06340.

Due to the Caronavirus, a public Mass of Christian burial will be announced at a later date.