Jack Joseph DeRusso

Jack DeRusso passed away peacefully in Florida on Friday, June 15, 2024. Born in August 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Albert and Jennie DeRusso. Jack was raised in a Brooklyn brownstone with his extended Italian-American family. He attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School where he excelled in academics, played on the baseball team, and was captain of the bowling team. He went on to St John’s University where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business.

Jack had a successful career, initially at Bankers Trust, followed by over 20 years at KPMG, where he was elected Partner in the financial services practice in New York and served clients in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. His colleagues nicknamed him “Whispering Jack” because he could often be heard two offices away, and he had a reputation for always being well-dressed and for knowing the best restaurants. Many restauranters knew Jack by name and saved the best tables for him, notably Smith & Wollensky, where two plaques on the wall bear his name, and the former Il Vagabondo on the Upper East side. Jack was also a dedicated and enthusiastic New York Giants and New York Mets fan and was a loyal friend to many.

Jack is pre-deceased by the love of his life, Irene, to whom he was happily married for over 50 years. Together they raised two children, Jean Koch of Boca Raton, Florida and Elena Carroll of Wilton, Connecticut. He is also survived by four grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

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A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Charleston, South Carolina.

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