Elaine Russoniello Obituary

Elaine J. (Flesko) Russoniello, 81, of Parsippany died on July 2, 2025. Born in Hackensack to Charles & Helen (Kostecky) Flesko, she grew up in East Rutherford and attended St Joseph's Elementary School, before moving to Rutherford and attending St. Mary's High School. She attended William Paterson College, where she discovered her passion for Elementary Education and met her beloved husband, Pat.
Elaine and Pat married in 1965 and their daughter, Lisa, was born in 1966. They purchased their Parsippany residence in 1968, which they owned for the entirety of their time together. Elaine was a highly active member of the Fieldcrest Association, often hosting the neighborhood card games and ensuring that all guests left with their fair share of desserts. Elaine will be remembered for her creative mind and love for decorating. Those who spent holidays with her will always think fondly of the time and energy that she spent on the presentation of the dining table and other themed elements of the celebratory environment.
Elaine was a pre-kindergarten teacher with the Glen Ridge Public School System for over 32 years, retiring in 2020. Anyone who taught with her will know that teaching was her heart and soul. At home, she would spend late evenings in her "study" hard at work preparing materials in the effort of offering engaging and personalized lessons to each and every one of her "children" as she would call them. Former students of Mrs. Russoniello will always remember her enthusiasm for Care Bears, Letter People, and other low-tech teaching methods.
Elaine is pre-deceased by her cherished husband of 53 years, Pat Joseph Russoniello. She is survived by her dearest daughter, Lisa Russoniello, and her treasured grandson, Alec Pasquale Giuseppe. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Christopher RC Church in Parsippany, teaching 5th grade CCD and Vacation Bible School for many years.
The viewing will take place Hancliffe Home for Funerals, 222 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936 from 4-8PM on Monday, July 7th. Funeral services will begin at 9 AM on Tuesday, July 8th with prayers at Hancliffe Home for Funerals, followed by a 10AM Funeral Mass at St. Christopher RC Church in Parsippany. A repast will follow at Il Capriccio in Whippany. Cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to are encouraged to send donations to the Fresh Air Fund, PO Box 4535, NYC, NY 10164-4542.