Russo, executive director of Horizon casino, dies at 52|[2/13/06]

Published 12:00 am Monday, February 13, 2006

Guy Angelo Russo, executive director of Horizon Vicksburg Casino & Hotel, died Sunday at River Region Medical Center. He was 52.

A native of Las Vegas, Russo was known to Vicksburg-area residents through television commercials for the casino. At times, he was dressed as a leprechaun, a turkey, a drill instructor and a motorcycle rider.

Russo came to Harrah’s in 2003 from Lighthouse Point Casino in Greenville, shortly before the property’s sale from Harrah’s to its parent company, Kentucky-based Columbia Sussex Corp., which renamed the property Horizon.

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Russo was vice-chairman of the board of directors of the Vicksburg Main Street Program and counsel board president with the Vicksburg Warren Community Alliance. He served in both posts at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, Beth, and three children, Nicholas, 15, Christopher, 13, and Katie, 12.

A spokesman with Columbia Sussex expressed &#8220shock and sadness” at the news.

Curt Follmer, general manager of Rainbow Casino, called Russo’s death &#8220a loss to the community.”

&#8220Family was his number one priority,” Follmer said. &#8220He was a great father, had a great sense of humor. He was a really fun person.”

Arrangements were incomplete with Riles Funeral Home in charge.