How do you distill the experiences of more than 50 years of knowing someone into few enough words to fit into a blog entry? A daunting idea, at best. I’ll choose only a little of what I know about Russ.
Russell was always willing to live life at its fullest, always striving to learn something new, to explore new things and ideas, and at his happiest when he was able to teach those to others. His patience as a teacher was an interesting counterpoint to the impatience he showed in other areas of life. Sometimes it seemed as if Russ couldn’t catch up with himself!
But it was teaching that brought out the very best in Russell. Whether he was at his shop showing young workers how to do something, or at the vocational school teaching young people the skills needed in radio and TV repair, the firehouse as a training officer, teaching the important thing to his children and grandchildren, or at the Hall showing students and teachers how to use their computers more effectively, he loved teaching. And was very good at it.
His passion for teaching and life in general was a wonder to watch. Not that Russ was perfect. No, at times he was the most exasperating person I knew. But it was impossible to remain exasperated at Russ. His heart shone through even his nuttiness.
I will miss everything about Russ, the good and the less than stellar. But most of all, I think, I’ll miss those philosophical discussions we would have at holidays and get togethers. Like the last time we were together, at Scott’s graduation party this past June, when he wanted to know if I ever thought about what our lives would have been like if we had made other choices. We talked for a little while and he said, “But then I wouldn’t have Margie and my family, and I would hate that.”
And that sums up Russell.
From Evelyn
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
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment