Michael Ralph Russo Obituary

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Michael Ralph Russo. Mike passed away on March 3, 2026, in Santa Barbara, CA, after a brief illness.

Mike was born on September 24, 1946, in the borough of Queens in New York, New York, to Michael A. and Mildred Masucci Russo. After moving to Santa Barbara, Mike graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1964.

Mike attended Santa Barbara City College, and then served in the military with the 472nd Military Police Company based at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska. Upon his release from the military, Mike worked with his father, uncle and other family members at Renga Brothers on State Street. That building backed up to a dental office on Islay Street. That is where Mike met the love of his life, Alma Tabacchi, who worked at the dentist office. They were married on December 5, 1970, and celebrated 51 happy anniversaries together before Alma passed away in 2022.

In 1982, Mike and Alma purchased property in Woodlake, CA, where they had a home built and planted grapes. Both Mike and Alma worked for the United States Post Office, with Mike retiring in 2001. He and Alma enjoyed taking cruises, including the Panama Canal, Mexico and the California Coast. Mike also enjoyed fishing, camping and barbecuing.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife Alma, and parents Michael and Mildred Russo.

Mike is survived by his nephew Fred (Cindy) Tabacchi, niece Julie (Joseph) Grimes, grandniece Laura Tabacchi, and many cousins here in Santa Barbara.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 am at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity.

Arrangements entrusted to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels (805) 965-5145.