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

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Eulogy delivered by Nancy

As you can imagine it was hard for me to figure out what to say today. How do I convey in a few words who my father was and what he meant to me.
Then I realized I did not need to convey that to any of you. My friends and I have a joke about popularity.., who gets invited out to lunch at work, who knows the most people when you go out etc... Well it is for sure, my dad has officially won the popularity contest. Words cannot even begin to convey my utter and complete awe yet total appreciation for the outpouring of love and support from so many this last week. The things that have been shared from friends and family about their love, respect and of my dad has been a huge comfort and reminder of what an incredible person he was.
My dad lived every minute of every day. He found joy in everything and he taught me to do the same--to be interested in every new opportunity, experience and learning. He taught me the value of family and friends and he was ALWAYS there for me. Not only did he enjoy time spent with his friends but he welcomed every chance to know my friends better as well.
He was quite about what he did, but he truly did so much. He reached out to those who needed him and extended an arm whenever possible. Just this summer when he was visiting me in WI he joined my friends for a day of landscaping at another friends home after his wife was diagnosed with cancer. Not once did he not complain that he was on vacation, but found great joy in the opportunity to meet the group and share in the experience. My friend whose name also happens to be Russ sent me a note this week that I felt captures everything I wanted to say about my dad and I wanted to share it with you today:
Nancy, I have been up since 4:45 am thinking of you and your family. I can only imagine the pain you are going through losing your father. It just isn’t fair. You know I am not religious, but I know wherever your dad is now it is a good place. He was a great Father, husband and friend. You are one of the lucky ones in life to have a father like your dad. Not only did he teach you how to be a productive member of society but he taught you the nuances of life. He taught you that negotiation is about both people winning. He taught you that giving of yourself to others isn’t something you should do, but something you should want to do. He taught you about the arts, and he taught you how to engage in thoughtful conversation. You are who you are today because you had a dad that most people could only dream of.
This to me says it all — one thing I have shared this week is that I have no regrets. I spent a lot of really good time with my dad and so did my kids.
I will miss him more than even I can imagine — but I know he loved me and he knows I love him.
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