Russell Gerald Gasdia, of Newton, Massachusetts, passed away on Sunday, June 22nd, at the age of 91.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Corinne (Dell’Orfano) Gasdia; his children: Russell Gasdia and his wife Gina; David Gasdia and his wife Karen; Susan Llodra and her husband Matt; and Gary Gasdia and his wife Mary Joy; grandchildren: Russell, Alex, Forrest, Taylor, Audrey, Jack, Lindsay, and Ryan; great-grandchildren: Marlowe and Everett; and his brother, Anthony Gasdia.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Doris (McElroy) Gasdia, in 1970; his infant son Paul, in 1964; his parents, Domenic and Mary Gasdia; and siblings Grace, Helen, Marie, Salvatore, and John.
Born in Boston in 1933, Russell lived in Somerville as a young child before moving to Brookline, graduating from Brookline High School in 1951. He went on to earn both his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (1956) and his Master of Pharmacy (1978) from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. He served his country with honor as an officer in the U.S. Public Health Service following graduation and remained in the reserves for many years, rising to the provisional rank of Captain.
Russell began his professional career in business as President of General Packets in the 1960s. He later returned to the field of pharmacy, serving as Director of Pharmacy at New England Baptist Hospital, and went on to co-found Rocap, a company that manufactured pre-mixed intravenous solutions. He was also a founding member of “The Dantes”, a group of Italian-American pharmaceutical professionals who celebrated their heritage through fellowship and food.
Russell and Corinne shared a deep, loving, and lasting bond, rarely spending a night apart. They loved traveling, cruising, and dancing. In earlier years, they dined and danced together nearly every Saturday night at Stella’s in Boston. During retirement they spent their winters in Delray Beach, Florida.
A lifelong music lover, Russell played the piano and saxophone. In his youth, he led Russ Gasdia and his Orchestra, performing at local dances and events. As a fan of New England sports teams, he never missed the chance to watch the Celtics, Patriots or his favorite, the Red Sox.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 30th, from 9:00–10:30 AM at Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown Street, Newton. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at Corpus Christi - St. Bernard Parish, 1523 Washington Street, Newton, with burial at Newton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.