Karen Marie Russo, 79, of Hackensack, NJ died peacefully on July 7, 2022 with her family by her side. She was born in the Bronx, NY to Jean (née Cotillo) and Albert Russo and raised in Scarsdale, NY. She was an Executive Administrator with Deutsche Bank, New York City, for 17 years where she forged lifelong friendships. Karen is survived by her daughter, Aimee Runfolo and her husband Steven, and their two cherished children, Luca and Nico, as well as her twin sister and partner in crime, Mary Jean Russo Kerr, and her brother Thomas Russo and his wife Lynn. Karen was adoringly known as Kaka to her nieces, Jeannine Kerr and Jennifer Kerr Cavanaugh, and their husbands, Gavin and Kevin, as well as their children Duncan, Aida, Andrew, Violet, and Millie.
Karen had a great passion for the New York Yankees. She loved traveling with her twin sister and friends and enjoyed gathering with her family for occasions big and small. She was an avid reader of the mystery genre and did crossword puzzles with her morning coffee everyday. Although she was not known for her culinary skills, she is credited by her grandson, Luca,as the inventor of the Cheesy Bagel. Karen will be remembered as the life of every party and her infectious laugh will be greatly missed.
A service in her memory will be held Wednesday, July 13th, 4-7 PM, with a brief Funeral Service at 6 PM, at the Beaugard-McKnight Funeral Home, 869 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s memory to the American Cancer Society.