California for 20 years before running for and getting elected to the Fremont City Council from 1995 to 2000. After the birth of her children, her family purchased a cattle ranch in Floresville, Texas, where she fulfilled two of her dreams, raising children and raising daylilies. She was a wonderful and selfless mother who found her joy in caring for and supporting her two children. Once her children started school, her need to help others led to her starting a practice in Floresville and Poth, where she served the community for over 10 years before her retirement in 2021. In December 2021, JoNelle and Marty retired to The Villages, Florida, where she succumbed to lymphoma after a short battle. She will be missed by all she touched. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Patricia Hagan, and leaves behind her husband of 37 years, Marty, daughter Jeanne, son Jedidiah, sister Patty Donnelly, and brothers Fred and John Hagan. Richard O. Prior, D.C. — Former Faculty/ Staff of Life University — Dr. Richard O. Prior, 92, of Carthage, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Saturday evening, February 10, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage. Richard was born February 19, 1931, the son of Orvel B. and Minnie (Hopkins) Prior on the family Centennial farm near Carthage. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1949 and then was drafted into the U. S. Army. He served in England during his service time and witnessed the coronation parade of Queen Elizabeth in 1952. After his honorable discharge, he graduated from the Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport and then opened his office in Warsaw from 1961 until his retirement in 1997. On February 25, 1954, he was united in marriage to Esther Irene Walker. Richard and Esther where members of the Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Their greatest joy was serving and entertaining church members. Richard is survived by two sons, Dr. Duane Prior of Warsaw and David Prior of Carthage; a daughter, Twila (Vince) Carlson of Denver, Colorado; a niece, Marsha Malloy, that had lived with Richard and Esther for a time; granddaughters, Brittany (Andrew) King and Kayla Prior; great grandchildren, Kanaan, Eden and Zion King; two sisters, Marjorie Ridings of Greenville, Illinois and Myrtle (Chester) White of Carthage; a brother, Charles (Mary) Prior of Deerfield, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Esther in 2017; a granddaughter, Andrea Prior; and sisters, Hilda Mae Harris, Joyce Allen and Bonnie Baker. David J. Santoriello, D.C. (’88) — David John Santoriello (’98), of Sigel, Pennsylvania, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the age of 73. He was a loving son to the late Blaise and Gloria Santoriello; brother to the late Blaise and Andrew Santoriello (Deb surviving). He is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews. Throughout the years, David enjoyed golfing, building war models, collecting coins, his trucks and cars. Ryan K. Russo, D.C. (’08) — Dr. Ryan Kennon Russo (’08) entered eternal rest on May 13, 2024, at the age of 45. Ryan was born and raised in Metairie, Louisiana. In true sportsman paradise fashion, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father. Their family enjoyed traveling and attending the Tartan Drive annual pig roasts where lifelong friendships were made. As an avid LSU fan, he attended many LSU sporting events with his parents and brother, Rusty. He passed his love of all sports onto his son. When he was a teenager, he enjoyed innocent mischief and a good laugh. His minor mischief led him to a stint at Hargrave Military School where he made lifelong friends. He graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1997. During that time, he fell in love with competitive bodybuilding and physical fitness. Putting all his heart into everything he did, he won the 1998 heavyweight class and overall teen title in Louisiana. As fate would have it, the second-place overall winner went on to compete and win the national title. Ryan’s friends and judges in the bodybuilding community always referred to him as the unofficial national champion. After converting to Catholicism and marrying the love of his life, Mary West Russo, he graduated from Life University where he received a Doctor of Chiropractic. In 2008, Ryan and Mary welcomed their son, Kennon Russo, whom he adored alongside her more than anything in this world. He was a hands-on father and husband. He took great pride in taking care of his family and his patients. When he wasn’t on the travel sports junket watching or coaching Kennon, he passed many days making jokes with him, his best friends, nieces and nephews. He was the king of catchphrases. “I’ve neva been,” “Hi-yah!”, “Who wants a treat?”, and “Would you just look at it?” were among some of his favorites. Ryan remained unsurpassed in his ability to do impressions of people, including Dr. Phil, when he would say “Aaabsooluutely Oprah!” He loved to cook for family celebrations and was a true foodie. He was a devout Catholic who gave his life to Christ. He found his strength in God and gave love in everything and to everyone. Candidly stated by his best friend, Harris Zeringue: “Ryan will always be the best in [our] book. No one will be better.” Ryan will be missed beyond measure and comprehension. However, he always looked on the bright side and would want people to celebrate his homecoming to Christ. There is no 59 Alumni.life.edu | 2024
