Your dad was so very special to me. I can't believe he's no longer with us, but I do have some memories to share. First, in general, we all knew that if Russ was attending something there was going to be a lot of fun. When we were going to get together with family, the first thing my kids would ask was if Russell was going to be there.
Last month, your mom, dad and I went to the Jewish Museum in Manhattan. Only problem was, the museum was closed that day except for the gift shop. So we browsed in the gift shop for a while, except I noticed Russell wasn't with us. I asked Margie where he was. She wasn't sure, but she thought he was probably in Central Park. She called him up and told him we were going to Guggenheim Art Museum. He met us there and we all went in. Then he wandered off and Magie and I went through the museum together. The point is, I couldn't get over how patient he was. He never complained about what Margie and I were doing. If it didn't suit him, he would just quietly wander off and do his own thing. He was quite mellow. Everybody had a good time.
I also remember a barbeque at your house many years ago. One of the highlights was a pie eating contest for the kids. The kids were psyched and the adults watched. However, on the count of go, Russell pushed all the kids' faces into the whipped cream. The adults had a good laugh. I think the kids did too. He was a lot of fun.
We'll keep Russell in our heart and minds with our memories. You are all a wonderful family and I am so happy to be part of the extended family.
From Marsha
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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