In memory of Arthur Russo, Executive Director
A Great Leader from the Greatest Generation
By James K. Valenti, PE, Esq.
Arthur Russo passed away on Nov. 23, 2010. He is fondly remembered.
Reprinted from Spring 2006 Newsletter
“The Greatest Generation” has been used to describe the American citizens who came of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to build modern America. The New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors is proud to have a member of this generation serving as the Board’s executive director.
Arthur Russo has served his country and the Board with distinction and this article will introduce readers to his life story. In 1991, Governor James Florio appointed Arthur Russo to the position of executive director of the State Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors. For the past 14 years, Arthur has provided a steady hand in his guidance of the Board. Although Board members have come and gone during Arthur’s tenure, Arthur has remained as the steady leader providing guidance and leadership to the Board members and staff.
Arthur was born in New York City and grew up there and in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Like many members of his generation, Arthur got the call for duty and was drafted in 1943. A spirited and adventurous youth, Arthur volunteered to serve as a radio operator/gunner in the Air Force. He was trained as a bomber crewman in the famous B-24 bomber, also known as the “Liberation Bomber.” Arthur was part of the 868th Bomber Squadron which served with distinction in the southwest Pacific. The B-24’s carried a new top-secret technology designed to help win the war: on-board radar. Flying at night, the bombers of the 868th would take off alone to attack Japanese ships and land-based targets in the Pacific. Many of their flights were at extremely low altitude - sometimes only 80 feet above the ground. While on a low-altitude bombing and strafing raid of a Japanese airfield, Arthur’s plane was seriously damaged by enemy fire and Arthur was seriously wounded. He clung to life, drifting in and out of consciousness, while the damaged plane completed a daunting seven-hour flight back to friendly territory. Arthur spent the next three months in the hospital followed by intensive rehabilitation. His flying days were over, and he completed his tour of duty in the United States, followed by an honorable discharge in 1945. His final rank was Technical Sergeant. Arthur’s courage and sacrifice was duly noted by his country as he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Purple Hearts.
Upon his return to civilian life, Arthur attended New York University and received his business degree in 1949. His first job was as a United States civil servant. While he was involved in this work, Arthur became interested in development and home building. In 1951, Arthur joined with his brother Raymond to start a home-building business that would thrive over the next 40 years. “Five Points Realty” and “Piedmont Farms” were the names the Russo brothers used for their projects. As their reputation for excellence grew, their business expanded across New Jersey. These were exciting times as New Jersey’s suburbs were rapidly expanding across the landscape. The Russo brothers constructed hundreds of quality homes in developments in Union, Springfield, Summit, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Bound Brook, Colts Neck and many other towns.
After 40 years of success, Arthur left the development business and joined the Board. Family is an important part of Arthur’s life. His office is sprinkled with family photos and memorabilia. Arthur’s lovely wife, Arlene, has been his partner for many years. Arlene has also become a vital part of the Board with her volunteer work on the Certificate Award Ceremony. Arthur and Arlene had two children, Wayne and Lynne. Their oldest child, Wayne, was a exceptional young man who had already achieved much personal success when his life was tragically ended in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Wayne was working for a major insurance brokerage in the World Trade Center when the terrorists struck the buildings. With the love and support of their family and friends, the Russo family survived this tragedy and grew closer. Arthur and his family have remained very active in support of the families who lived through the loss of a loved one on that tragic day. Arthur and Arlene’s daughter, Lynne, and son-in-law Mario live in New Jersey and have added two grandchildren to the Russo family. Of course, the youngest family members are loved and pampered by the proud grandparents. Arthur’s other family is the Board members and staff.
During the past 15 years, Arthur has provided a steady hand in the guidance of the Board and has served as a mentor to his staff. He has developed a personal relationship with every Board member and has gathered years of memories about the Board. Arthur says that the “Board staff is part of my extended family and I want them all to be happy and successful in their work.” As for the Board, Arthur observed that “I have made some great friends on the Board and I am always sorry when a member’s term ends and they quietly move on.” He also notes that “the licensing of professional engineers and land surveyors has become more challenging because the licensure requirements are not standardized across all the states and some boards have lowered their standards.”
In 1936, Franklin Delano Roosevelt predicted that “this generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.” In the case of Arthur Russo, his many years of personal and professional success have led to the fulfillment of that prediction. The Board and staff thank Arthur for his years of service.
