Thomas J. Georgagi

Waltham - Mr. Thomas J. 'Russ' Georgagi, of Waltham, formerly of Boston's West End neighborhood, died Sunday, April 19, 2009 in Newton–Wellesley Hospital. He was 83. Thomas was born on January 22, 1926 in Albania, a son of the late John and Angelina (Kostandin) Georgaqui and immigrated to the United States as an infant, settling with his family in Boston's West End Neighborhood. Shortly after his marriage to his wife, Mary in 1961, he moved to Waltham. He was a graduate of the former Commerce High School in Boston and served with the United States Marine Corps during World War II. 'Russ', as he was commonly known, owned and operated the former Pemberton Pub on Cambridge Street in Boston for many years before closing the restaurant due to city reconstruction in 1985. He then worked for Costco in Dedham for many years and was still working shortly before his death. His passion and love was the City of Boston, most especial, his beloved neighborhood to which he always referred to as home, 'The West End'. Among his other interests were New England sports and above all, horse racing. Russ was a devoted family man who loved time spent with each member, especially his grandchildren. Russ leaves his wife of 47 years, Mary V. (Salamone) Georgagi; his children, John J. Georgagi and his wife, Jennifer, of Orange County, California and June M. Rubin, and her husband, Barry, of Westwood; three grandchildren, Nicholas Georgagi, Ally Georgagi and Nathan Rubin; his brother, William Georgaqui of Boston; his sisters, Helen Georgaqui of Boston and Anne Sawtelle of Waltham and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters. Mary Mucci and Virginia Georgaqui. Family and friends will honor and remember Russ' life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham. Memorial contributions may be made to The West End Museum (www.thewestendmuseum.org), 150 Staniford Street, Boston, 02114 or to The Armand "Monte" Testa Scholarship Fund, c/o John Graceffa, 617 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA 02452.