Gloucester - Paul Thomas Russo, age 35, a devoted husband, father, son, and lifelong Gloucester resident, passed away following a courageous 12-year battle with brain cancer. Through every challenge, Paul remained a pillar of strength, grounded by his love for his family and the community he called home.

From a young age, Paul was a fixture on the ice and the field. He grew up playing Little League baseball, football, youth hockey, and countless neighborhood street hockey games. Following in his father's footsteps, he became a standout hockey player, donning the number 9 jersey from the beginning and wearing it with pride throughout his entire hockey career, allowing the number to be a constant symbol of his dedication and love for the game.

A proud National Honors Society graduate of Gloucester High School's Class of 2009, Paul was a four-year member of the varsity hockey team, helping lead the team to a celebrated State Championship title in 2006, and earning the prestigious title of Captain his senior year. He went on to attend Bryant University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He was a four-year member of their club hockey team and again earned the honorable title of Captain. Paul went on to further his education with a Master's degree in Accounting from UMass Lowell.

His professional journey began at PwC, one of the "Big 4" accounting firms in Boston. However, Paul's heart remained in Gloucester. He eventually returned to serve his community, working within different departments for the City and most recently serving as the Senior Accountant at Pathways.

In November 2014, Paul's life changed with a brain cancer diagnosis. What followed was a journey that can only be described as a relentless battle. Paul never let his illness define him, but rather used his time to focus on his greatest joy, the simple moments. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends, cherished the tradition of Sunday lunches at Grandma's, and loved boat rides with his parents and brother. Above all else, Paul's world revolved around his home, he was most at peace when he was with his beautiful wife, Leah, and their son, Camden. He was a man who made the community happy just by being a part of it. His legacy of resilience will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Leah Russo and son, Camden (age 4); parents, Paul and Krista Russo; brother, Michael Russo, and longtime partner Natalie Buhrman; grandmothers, Sandra Palazola and Anna Russo; great aunt, Judy Parisi; aunts and uncles, Julie and Joe Sanfilippo, Cassie and Kevin Doyon, Carla and Mike Puccio, Gidget Benson, and Mary Russo; mother-in-law, Lianne Palazola; father-in-law, Matt Palazola; sister-in-law, Lauren Palazola; many cousins, work colleagues, and lifelong friends. Paul was predeceased by his grandfathers, Tony Palazola and Jack Russo.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in St. Ann Church, Holy Family Parish from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A memorial Mass will immediately follow at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Paul's GoFundMe page "Rally For The Russo's." (https://gofund.me/682862f39) A big thank you to all who have already donated.

Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.

For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com.