(A big H/T and thanks to Mediaite on Twitter)
The Story via Mediaite:
Timothy Joseph Russert, father of the late, legendary NBC Newsman Tim Russert and grandfather of NBC correspondent Luke Russert, passed away today at the age of 85.
Known as “Big Russ,” Russert became famous in his own right by being a focus of the New York Times bestseller “Big Russ & Me.”
Tim Russert passed away in June 2008 at the age of 58.
The Families statement is as follows:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Timothy Joseph Russert. While he was affectionately known to the world as “Big Russ,” he carried no more important nor meaningful titles than those of father, grandfather, great-grandfather, patriot and friend. He passed peacefully with his family at his side from natural causes at the age of 85.
We warmly thank all those who were inspired by his life and his lessons.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association so that the world may move closer to finding a cure for this sad affliction.
We ask for privacy as funeral arrangments are pending.”
Here is Tim talking about his father, from a “Remembering Tim Russert special on MSNBC:
I, like the rest of the political blogging world; was absolutely stunned beyond words, when the news broke the Tim Russert died. Now, it seems that “Bug Russ” has gone to go be with Tim.
May he rest in peace and my condolences to his family.