CLEVELAND — Judge Joseph Russo, a member of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas since 2001, died on Saturday at the age of 59, the court announced. 

What You Need To Know

  • Judge Joseph Russo died late Saturday at the age of 59

  • The Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas said his death was unexpected

  • A visiting judge will handle his cases until Gov. Mike DeWine selects a replacement

  • Russo served on the bench for over 20 years

The Court of Common Pleas said that Russo’s death happened “unexpectedly” but did not disclose the cause of death. 

“Joe Russo has been my colleague on the Bench for 12 years, and his loss will be felt by the legal community and the citizens of Cuyahoga County,” says Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan J. Sheehan. ”Our thoughts and prayers are with Judge Russo’s family and friends.”

Russo was a resident of Cleveland Heights and graduated from Case Western Reserve University’s law program. 

The court said a visiting judge will handle Russo’s cases until Gov. Mike DeWine appoints a replacement. 

Russo, a Democrat, made a run at the Ohio Supreme Court in 2008. He lost to Republican Maureen O’Connor by a two-to-one margin.