Leonora Russo, the “Queen of Williamsburg,” has died at the age of 91, after 68 years in the neighborhood. She’ll be remembered this evening at Arthur’s Funeral Home in Greenpoint, DNAinfo reports.
RIP Leonora Russo AKA “The Queen of Williamsburg.” Honoring you in the only way we know how. Bedford Ave will never be the same. pic.twitter.com/lTieT6TLS6
— Vinnie’s Pizzeria (@vinniesbrooklyn) November 19, 2016
In a neighborhood that has become synonymous with change, Russo was a longtime fixture, holding court on Bedford Avenue and making small-talk with friends and strangers alike. Her flamboyant fashion sense attracted attention from New York magazine and The L. “I love this neighborhood,” she said in her Look Book spread. “If I was to move from here, I would be lost. People sit down and talk with me, we have coffee. We have cake. A little luncheon sometimes. We debate each other’s problems. They call me the mayor ’cause I know everyone.”
A true legend in Brooklyn. She will be missed. “RIP Leonora Russo, The Queen of Williamsburg” https://t.co/MnDl59j6ye pic.twitter.com/VxQBXBZnDi
— Jenn Hoffman (@JennHoffman) November 19, 2016
That was evident when we spent a day with Russo almost exactly three years ago. (Watch the video above.) She told us, “My son died here, my husband died here, I’ll die here.”
Composer William Basinski wrote about her on Facebook: “She was a natural entertainer, an incredible singer with perfect pitch and could easily be encouraged to give advice or break out into one of her hilarious vaudeville era songs. She always wanted to go to Hollywood, but Hollywood came to her in her later years.”
Needless to say, remembrances poured in via social media.
Such sad news! Williamsburg’s queen has apparently died. (Photo via fb group) https://t.co/fUsxc0noYc cc @DNAinfoNY pic.twitter.com/xV9nRY4PQ1
— Lauren Tara LaCapra (@LaurenLaCapra) November 17, 2016
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