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The man known in Western New York and throughout the country as "Big Russ" has passed away today. He was 85 years old.
 "Big Russ" was best known for being the father of the late Tim Russert, who passed away last year after a heart attack.
In a statement, the Russert family summed up the leading man of their family best:
"While he was known to the world as "Big Russ", he carried no more important or meaningful titles than those of father, grandfather, great-grandfather, patriot and friend. He passed peacefully with his family by his side from natural causes at the age of 85. We warmly thank all those who were inspired by his life and his lessons."
"Big Russ" became a celebrity when Tim Russert wrote Big Russ And Me. It was a book about the father-son relationship that the younger Russert had with his father. The book was a huge hit, especially in Western New York. The book led to many people being inspired to send Tim Russert their own stories about their fathers. Russert ended up writing a second book, Wisdom Of Our Fathers.
This is sad news for those of us in the area and who know what impact the Russerts have had here.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Russert family.
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