PRINCETON JUNCTION – Stephen J. Russo, 79, of Princeton Junction and owner of Russo Music Center, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell. Born in Trenton, NJ, he resided in Princeton Junction for the last forty years. Previously, he was a resident of Hamilton Township, where he and his wife, Lucy owned and operated Russo Music Center for the past 54 years. The business was started on the front porch of their first home where they provided private music lessons to students. In 1960, they opened their initial store on South Broad Street and as the business grew, they relocated to its current location at 1989 Arena Drive. In 2010, they opened their second location in Asbury Park. Steve, a jazz accordionist, played locally for many years and aspired to play professionally. However, he chose his wife and family as a priority and together with his wife, opened Russo Music Center as an opportunity to continue his passion for music. Son of the late Millie (Trapani) and John Russo, and brother of the late Peter M. Russo, he is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lucy (DiGuiseppi) Russo, two daughters, Patricia A. Russo of Hamilton, NJ, Michelle and son-in-law, James R. Forester of Yardley, PA, two grandchildren, Stephen James and Briana Ashley Forester of Yardley, PA; a sister and brother-in-law Rose and Victor (Chris) Crisci of Wayne, NJ; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Lydia Russo of Broomall, PA; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nina and Daniel Gowaty of Princeton, NJ, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The funeral will be held Wednesday, October 15, at 9:15 am from the Parkside Brenna-Cellini Funeral Home, 1584 Parkside Avenue, Ewing, NJ 08638. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. James Church, 29 East Paul Avenue in Trenton. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 1200 Cedar Lane, Hamilton. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, October 14, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 3076 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, or a charity of your choice.