While I only had the pleasure of spending time with Russ on a handful of occasions, I felt like I grew up with him because of all the stories Nancy told about her father. He always seemed like a "guy" I would like to hang out with, be around. Many people in this world take energy from you, but Russ seemed to give energy to people. When he was in a room you wanted to be near him.
The most recent memory I have of Russ is from this past May. My wife was battling cancer, so a number of friends asked how they could help. We have a newer house and I wanted to finish the landscaping. We planned a "landscaping party" and around 20 people showed up at my house. Russ was in town visiting Nancy and her family over the weekend of the landscaping party. Instead of staying at Nancy's house Russ came over to help with our landscaping project. Here is a guy who is in town visiting, on vacation, 69 years old, and he is at my house helping shovel 18 tons of rock!
I know Russ will be missed by a lot of people, but I feel lucky that I still get to hear the stories from Nancy.
From Russ
In memory of Russell J. Francisco
Adored grandfather, beloved dad and loving husband, Russell Joseph Francisco passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 5, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marge; son, Mark (wife Laraine); daughter, Nancy Francisco-Welke (husband John); son David (wife Anita);, grandchildren, Conor, Ali, Cayla, Noah, and Benjamin, and twin brother, Roger.
Russell deeply touched the lives of many people, including extended family, neighbors, colleagues and friends around the world. He was a small business owner for 35 years before starting a teaching career at Seton Hall University. He retired as captain of the Scotch Plains volunteer fire department and was an active supporter of several philanthropic organizations. Russell was an avid gardener, cyclist, hiker, amateur naturalist and a great lover of Florida's nature.
Russell lived life to the absolute fullest and while he left it too early, he left it doing something he enjoyed, at a place he loved, surrounded by people who adored him.
His funeral ceremony was held at on Aug. 8, 2009 at Church of the Ascension in Bradley Beach. Gifts in Russell's name may still be made to The Conservancy of Southwest Florida (http://www.conservancy.org/).
Link to the Aug 7th obituary
Russell deeply touched the lives of many people, including extended family, neighbors, colleagues and friends around the world. He was a small business owner for 35 years before starting a teaching career at Seton Hall University. He retired as captain of the Scotch Plains volunteer fire department and was an active supporter of several philanthropic organizations. Russell was an avid gardener, cyclist, hiker, amateur naturalist and a great lover of Florida's nature.
Russell lived life to the absolute fullest and while he left it too early, he left it doing something he enjoyed, at a place he loved, surrounded by people who adored him.
His funeral ceremony was held at on Aug. 8, 2009 at Church of the Ascension in Bradley Beach. Gifts in Russell's name may still be made to The Conservancy of Southwest Florida (http://www.conservancy.org/).
Link to the Aug 7th obituary
Friday, August 21, 2009
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