CLEVELAND — The Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas is mourning the death of Judge Michael J. Russo, who passed away Monday evening surrounded by his family “after a long and courageous health battle.”
He was 68 years old and leaves behind a wife, children and grandchildren.
“Over the past year, Judge Russo displayed amazing strength while fighting his illness,” says Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan J. Sheehan. “Judge Michael Russo was tenacious in his efforts to overcome his medical challenges and return to the courtroom. He felt it was an honor to do the work of the community that we are proud to serve each day.”
Prior to his election in 2002, court officials say he worked in private practice at the law firm of Ulmer & Berne, LLP. He attended the University of Dallas where he received his undergraduate degree and went on to Old Dominion University for his master’s. He was also a graduate of the Cleveland State University College of Law.
During his time on the bench, Judge Russo presided over thousands of cases, including many notable ones like that of Ariel Castro, who he sentenced to life without parole plus 1,000 years in prison.
"The way Mike Russo handled that media, handled that case — with dignity and respect for the victims, for the families, for everyone — he was just a true professional and he made the bench look good and made the court look good," Judge Sheehan said.
On Tuesday, block robes were draped over the empty bench where Russo had served for 20 years. His cousin — fellow Judge John Russo — said his time as a judge was a calling.
“That’s who Michael was. He was a public servant. He believed in his passion of the law. He was articulate. Very thoughtful,” Judge John Russo said.
Russo said his cousin was also a teacher of new judges and experienced judges at the Cuyahoga County Pleas Court, teaching them how to be a better public servant.
"Really just truly someone that I looked up to and, as Judge Sheehan said, someone who was a teacher to us as judges but also compassionate about what he did as a public servant," he said. "He was never far from the courtroom even though he was at home or in the hospital or recovering."
Sheehan said Russo was a "bedrock of the court" and its 34 judges. A dedicated public servant even during the final days of his life when he was in and out of the hospital and still checking in on his staff and ruling on cases.
"He was just a hardworking public servant who loved this community and wanted to make sure that he served the folks of this community even when he was in the ICU of a hospital," he said.
"Just a compassionate human. He cared about everyone. He cared about his staff. He cared about everyone who came before him. He cared about the victims of crimes and he loved his family and I think he called the court his family. It's like losing a family member here."
“I ask that you send your thoughts and prayers to Judge Michael Russo’s family during this time,” added Judge Sheehan.
