Russell Guastella

MADISON - Russell Joseph Guastella of Madison, WI passed away at the age of 91 on April 9, 2014. He was born in Madison, WI on December 4, 1922 to Joseph and Rose (Bruno) Guastella. He attended Madison Central High School and worked for the Madison School District as a custodian for 38 years, mainly at Lapham Elementary. Russell met his wife, Virginia, while working as a carpenter in Beloit. He often told people that he "knew he would marry that woman the day he saw her walking down the street." They were married on June 5, 1943 and were married 69 years before her death last year.

In January 1945, they had a son named Joseph and in November 1946, they had a daughter named Rosemary. Russell served in World War II for three years in the Army Air Corps in Okinawa, Japan. In October 2012, he was grateful to go on a Badger Honor Flight and had the chance to see the World War II memorial in Washington, DC with other veterans.

Russell thoroughly enjoyed fishing, ice fishing and gardening, and did at least one of these pastimes daily. He would often give vegetables away to neighbors and family, and he also enjoyed making wine.

Russell is survived by his son, Joe (Bette) Guastella; his daughter, Rosemary (Lanny) Dokken; and his 4 grandchildren: Russell (Chery) Dokken, Renee (Mike) Beckwith, Lena (Casey) Funseth, and Annie (Marcus) Lietzow. He is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren: Mark, Rachel, Dean, Cora, Arianna, Brody and Mia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Russell is further survived by his brothers Joe (Della) Guastella of California, Tony Guastella of Florida and Charlie (Lucille) Guastella of Madison, WI. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Virginia and his parents.

A private family service will be held. Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Cress funeral home is assisting the family. The family has chosen to honor the soldier in Russell and designated the Badger Honor Flight program for memorial contributions.