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

Friday, August 21, 2009

A big grin

I remember when my dad died...i was living in Montana...On the three day drive to Mississippi I wrote his eulogy...Then I thought, "I'll never make it through this." Well, when I arrived at the funeral home there were my two Uncles (Russ and Roger-Dad's brothers) I remember how heart broken we all were....
Then I got up to speak...wow.. it was hard... Read More...BUT....as I looked into the eyes of the people sitting there listening, I searched for a face-someone who I could focus on and I saw Uncle Russel and Uncle Roger...grinning at me...smiling...eyes lit up and encouraging....
I made through the entire Eulogy only because of these two amazing men....
But this is how Uncle Russel was...he knew ...he always knew...just what someone needed....

From Donna


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