Obituaries
Anthony David Russomanno
January 22, 1979 - March 16, 2025
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Obituary For Anthony David Russomanno
Madison - Anthony David Russomanno died at UW Hospital on March 16, 2025, after a five-year fight with cancer. Anthony was an extraordinary person. His kindness, intellect, and humor are irreplaceable, and his family and friends will miss him terribly.
Anthony was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 22, 1979, and grew up there. His parents, LaVerne (Boes) and James (Jim) Russomanno, loved him fiercely and could not have been more proud of the man he became. Anthony was grateful to have LaVerne living near to him in Madison for the last 10 years.
Anthony earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, and stayed there for several years after college, living the barista life with good friends. He then attended the University of Illinois College of Law, earning his J.D. with highest honors. He clerked for the Missouri Supreme Court and the Wisconsin Court of Appeals before joining the Wisconsin Department of Justice as an Assistant Attorney General. He was dedicated to his work at DOJ and respected by all, appreciated not only for his skill as an appellate litigator and manager but for his mentorship and generosity.
During his third year of law school, Anthony fell in love with Sarah Painter at the cite-checking table for the University of Illinois Law Review. They settled in Madison and married several years later. Anthony’s admiration and love for Sarah only grew deeper over the course of their 15-year marriage.
Anthony was the proudest, most loving Papa to their two boys, Leonardo (Leo) and Franklin. He spent countless hours reading to Leo and Franklin and playing games with them. The boys learned from Anthony’s appreciation for adventure and his witty explanations of life’s big questions.
In addition to Sarah, Leo, and Franklin, and his mother LaVerne, Anthony is survived by many family and friends who held him dear, including his brother David (Theresa) Russomanno and nephew Evan; his aunt Christine (Ron) Wenberg; his parents-in-law Julie and Jerry Painter; his four siblings-in-law and their spouses and kids; and his cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim, and his Aunt Pat (Patricia Boes).
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5602 Irongate Drive, Madison, with a visitation starting at 4:00 p.m. Anthony was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison in a small service for immediate family.
Anthony’s family thanks the health care teams and researchers who helped him in his cancer battle. With their support and his tenacious desire to keep going, Anthony hoped and fought until the end. Those wishing to provide a memorial donation may give to Carbone Cancer Center or any other organization meaningful to them.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257
Services
Visitation
04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Memorial Service
06:00 PM
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Tributes
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Karen Wenberg planted 5 trees in memory of Anthony David Russomanno . - March 21, 2025
Condolences
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March 20, 2025
I have a lot of fond memories of Anthony. Quite a few are from the annual Painter family reunions. One year he lipsynced a Britney Spears song during a lipsync performance portion of the festivities. I think he lipsynced her song " Stronger". I laughed so hard to his rendition. His expressions and actions were so funny. It was so unexpected because I don't perceive Anthony as super silly so it was a great surprise. I would describe him as stoic and calm and thoughtful. I observed him as very attentive to his family's needs. Another favorite memory is when Franklin was around 18 months old and we went on a hike during a family reunion. Franklin sat on Anthony shoulders nearly the whole hike and babbled on to Anthony and Anthony conversed right back. They had there own chill chatter going the whole hike. At one point, Franklin had a giant leaf in his hand and he would wag it in front of Anthony eyes and pat Anthony on the forehead with it and it didn't bother Anthony one bit. Franklin also munched on crackers and the crumbs would land on Anthony's head and this also seemed to not bother Anthony. I was so impressed by his zen like persona, he reminded me of a tai chi master. Anthony, I could go on about so many other fond memories. You will be sorely missed. Lots of hugs when we meet again.
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March 20, 2025
May the Peace of the Lord be with you Sarah and the kids.
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March 20, 2025
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March 20, 2025
Sarah, Love you and wish only the best for you and your boys. You are always welcome to visit and stay with Lew & I if you visit Albuquerque. Sending good karma your way. Linda & Lew Grossman
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