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Janet M. Russiano
03/09/2024

Janet Russiano of Allentown, died March 9. She was the wife of James McLaughlin. They have been totally in love and inseparable for over 31 years. Janet was the daughter of the late Salvadore and Alma (Magee) Russiano. She was proud of her Irish and Albanian heritage and always was interested in yours, once you told her your last name. She graduated from Allentown High School where she was Prom Queen and a championship diver and swimmer. She worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the JCC. She attended Allentown Business School. Always a head turner, she modeled in NYC and at Hess’s.

She worked at a printer and had a wallpaper business for a time. She also co-owned and operated the Washington Grille where, being a great cook, she hooked people on her Thursday Tacos, Saturday Breakfast club meals, and iconic St. Patrick’s Day bashes.

Later she began another career as a lab technician at Miller Blood Center for 19 years until retirement.

She was an avid sports fan, especially watching her beloved grandson Nick play basketball and baseball. She loved all music especially Pavarotti and the Irish Tenors. Janet had a great quirky sense of humor that she shared with her many friends over the years. Her real passion was her family and as a mother and grandmother. She was dedicated to her children and grandson. She is survived by husband Jim, daughter and son-in-law Aurora and Mark Amey, son Alexander Palumbo, grandson Nicholas Amey, cousin Gail Beitelman. In-laws on McLaughlin side: Joanne, Michele, Brad, Drew and their children. She was predeceased by the father of her children and lifelong friend, Tony Palumbo. A celebration of Janet’s life will be announced at a later date.