Russ at 71

We all miss Russ terribly, especially today, which would have been his 71st birthday.

Last year we sent out a request for whatever memories people would like to share with us and were astounded by the many wonderful stories we received. We hope that you will take a moment to look at a few of them here below. And if there is anything more you would like to share, please send it to: russmemories@gmail.com

Thanks,
The Francisco Family

Photos of Russ

Tiki torches and good advice

It was at the annual Mexican party hosted by our nextdoor neighbors that I fell in love with my wife. She was visiting my family from Sweden for a few days but would soon be heading back home. It was my father's doing that got me to a make the first move. About five margaritas into the night he said to me: "If I were you, I would just go over there and give her a big kiss on the mouth". It would prove to be the best advice I ever received.

/by David (photo from Dorothy)

ODE TO 2007 (a poem by Russ)

Retired and Free
Busy as a bee
Adventures abundant
Ennui redundant
RVed many places
Florida was Aces!
Toured nation out west
Thank God I’m blessed
First year a delight
But tempered with fright

Hiked mountains with clubs;
In Sweden drank Glöggs

New Grandson Arrived;
My children have thrived

Biked places galore;
Ne’er moment a bore

Canoed mangroves too
Wish it were with you!


To hamper the fun -
Boy! I thought I was done!

When cancer was found,
In my prostate - I frowned

Removed by Robot’s arm;
Doc says “No future harm”

RV waits for me
Under shady palm tree

I’ll drive southern run

To join RV in the sun

Swim with dolphins by light;
Watch sunsets each night.

I close with a plea
Please don’t forget me”

Cause I miss “YOU” so much,
So I’ll keep in touch

Please touch back at me;
And your emails I’ll see
As one happy boy,
I’ll answer with joy!


TRANSLATION:

First year of retirement was fabulous!
RVed many new and exciting places in the USA,
joined a hiking club and have actively hiked with them,
was diagnosed with prostate cancer (early stage) and had it removed by a five armed robot name “Da Vinci”,
I’m home visiting my new grandson from Sweden and will drive back down to Florida in a few days,
and finally, please write to me for I love you all and miss you.

Crazy antics by the guy next door (pt 1)

Memories of Russell. Where do I begin? From my earliest memories the Franciscos were always there, next door on Chapel Road. Just about every one of my fondest memories includes the Franciscos, and the crazy antics of Russell make those memories so much sweeter.

With Russ there was never a dull moment. There was always something new or exciting, the ordinary could be made fun, the smallest occurrences suddenly became adventures. A snowfall would be reason to have a sleigh riding party on the hill, or for Russ to close off the top of Chapel Road so we could all sled down the street. I remember one party in particular where it seemed like the entire neighborhood was zooming down Chapel on a Flexible Flyer. A blackout was a reason for a back yard cookout. The beginning of spring was reason to pop the cork on a bottle of champagne to celebrate the end of winter and the anticipation of another garden season. During the summers were the unforgettable block party barbeques in the Lee & Francisco back yards, complete with volleyball, tetherball, grilling, drinking, and the inevitable brush fire. At one party Russ’ accidental/on purpose fire was staged, and he had Mark Mecca and another fireman or two at the ready to drive the fire truck across the field and bravely put out the fire, much to the thrill of the neighborhood kids. Russ would also bring a fire truck onto Chapel Road, and let all the kids play on it, ring the bell and climb inside. What a thrill that was!

The Franciscos were always the back door neighbors – it didn’t take long for the front door and doorbell ringing to be replaced by yelling a greeting through the back door and strolling into the kitchen. It was never out of place for us to come home or wander out of our bedrooms to find Russ sitting in the kitchen with dad, enjoying a cup of coffee or discussing the latest garden crop. And oh, the garden. What a wonderful garden that was! Each year Russ would rototill a little more land for additional plantings. A small tomato patch soon grew into a garden that could rival some of our area’s finest farms. Tomatoes, zucchini, beans, raspberries, peppers, ornamental corn, and many other treats were reaped from that plot. What a treat it was to eat garden-grown beans in January, or enjoy delicious home made tomato sauce all winter long! And isn’t it funny that it became so normal for us to see things such as tobacco and cotton growing on Scotch Plains’ south side?

Russ was someone that our parents trusted would look after us when we were out playing in the neighborhood or when they were away. One summer mom and dad decided to take a trip to North Carolina to visit friends. Kevin was still quite young, so he was going to stay at the Francisco house. Jim and I, being in high school and college, were going to be left home alone. That can only mean one thing – a party!! Mom was aware of our plans, and while she didn’t forbid a party she did warn us that she had enlisted Russ and Steve Vassallo to keep an eye on us, to make sure nothing got out of hand and that we all behaved ourselves. It was summer, so we had most of the party-goers in the back yard, and of course there was a keg sitting in the middle of the yard. The party was on!! I remember someone coming up to me and saying something about “these men” being in the back yard. Oh no, the chaperones made an appearance! I went into the back yard and found Russ and Steve sitting in lawn chairs next to the keg, each with a plastic cup full of beer, shooting the breeze with some of the guests. I have a picture of them somewhere, both lifting a glass and cheering a great party. When mom and dad got back from their trip Jim and I assured them that Russ and Steve could babysit us any time!

Russ was one of dad’s best buddies. I know dad adored him, but I remember one spat they had that had us in stitches laughing at the two of them bickering. A heron had landed next to the fish pond and began picking goldfish out of the pond. Dad thought the bird was beautiful, so he ran in the house and grabbed the camera so he could take pictures of the bird for mom. Russ was livid! He couldn’t believe dad stood there snapping pictures while this long-legged bird patiently picked practically every fish out of the pond. Of course it didn’t take long before they were pals again, but it was like a comedy act listening to the two of them sniping at each other.

Russ also had a special knack for making us feel comfortable or easing our fears. I remember one time mom and dad had gone away for a week. I had already moved out of the house but stopped back each day to take in the mail and feed Turkey the cat. One evening when I stopped by the house smelled like oil. I’m sure it was something simple, a backfire or overload of fuel, but boy did it scare me! The Franciscos were not home at the time, so I went back to my condo and left them a phone message, asking if Russ could go next door and check the furnace. This wasn’t too long after the enormous gas explosion at the Durham Woods development in Edison. I’m sure that when Marge and Russ got home that evening the last thing Russ wanted to do was plod next door to check out what was certain to be a non-emergency, but being the man that he was he thoroughly checked out the situation to put my mind at ease. I still remember Marge calling me to tell me that Russ gave the house a thorough inspection and laughing, saying “Dorothy, did you think it would be another Durham Woods?” We had a good laugh at my anxiety, and I was so thankful that patient Russ performed a full inspection and reported no problems.

/from Dorothy

The Garden: 1989

/from Dorothy

Crazy antics by the guy next door (pt 2)

One of my favorite Russ stories involves gopher killing. Russ had a long-standing hatred of the gophers that had invaded the garden. Each time I would see him he would regale me with his latest stories about his attempts to eradicate the fat little rodents, and all the while Marge would be standing behind him waving her arms and trying to get him to stop telling me (the animal lover) about his murderous intentions. I watched him throw objects at them if he saw them in the garden, and once he even egged Kevin on to slam a golf ball toward one who had wandered into the yard. It’s scary to remember how close Kevin came to hitting the furry body with a Titleist. One day he went into great detail about how he got a gopher bomb, scoped the hill for gopher holes and plugged them all up, then slipped the bomb into what he believed to be the last remaining gopher hole. He took great pride in saying how he sat on his patio, lit a cigar and began to celebrate his victory against the vermin … except he missed one gopher hole. As he’s sitting there a mushroom cloud began to rise over the hill. I’ll never forget how his face fell as he exclaimed “It looked like Hiroshima on that hill!” Poor man. Each summer Rick declares war against a particularly stupid groundhog who insists on burrowing under the barn. The groundhog digs a hole, Rick fills it in, the groundhog digs it out again. Last summer Rick came home with the gopher bomb, and Russ’ Hiroshima story immediately came to mind. I hate to admit that I absolutely dissolved into giggles at the thought of Russ smoking a victory cigar moments before the mushroom cloud appeared.

It goes without saying that the hardest blows Jim, Kevin and I have been dealt are the loss of our dear parents. I remember how supportive Russ and Marge were during dad’s illness and after his passing, and how they always looked after mom when she was living alone. It comforted us to know that the best friends and neighbors anyone could ever hope for were just a few steps from mom’s back door. They were a huge support to us when mom got sick, and I honestly don’t know what we would have done without their comfort and support. We all knew that they put aside their own sorrow at mom’s illness and passing in order to be there for the three of us. We will never forget everything they did for mom, and for us.

It was shortly after mom’s passing that I was at the house, performing the horrible task of cleaning, sorting and purging. I was watching my boss’ black laborador at the time, and had him tied up in the back yard. I hear Russ yell “Hey Dorothy, is this your dog?” When I joined Russ in the back hard he was sitting with a grin on his face, playing with the dog and ignoring my red-rimmed eyes and sniffly nose caused by the obvious crying I had been doing in the house. Russ and I sat together for quite some time, chatting about life, catching up on all the family news, sharing stories about our parents and scratching the dog’s head. Somehow just sitting there together, chatting and drinking sodas and petting a dog, Russ made the most heart-wrenching task easier.

Russ was such a special person who will always be loved and valued and treasured by the Lee family as someone who was an important and vital part of our lives. The memories of him are innumerable; the impact he had on our lives immeasurable. Marge and Russ are so much more than friends or neighbors – they always will be part of the Lee family. I miss Russ terribly and think about him often. He taught us all a lesson in how to love life and live it to the fullest, how everything can be an adventure, how to turn lemons into lemonade. I cannot believe that he would have been 70 years old today – while the rest of us aged he seemed to get younger. I will never forget Russ running around with that silly grin on his face, finding everything exciting, neat or funny. I will especially getting the Russ hug – the big bear hug with the “Hiya sweetheart,” followed by him throwing his head back and giggling evilly, saying “Ahhhhh, I love it!” and giving his body a quick quiver. He will truly be forever in my heart.

/from Dorothy

First day of spring

/from Dorothy

A short list

• My dad was an equal opportunity employer... girls are as good at mowing lawns as boys - but equally boys can set tables and do dishes
• When you lend a friend (or family) money consider it a gift - not a loan - but go ahead and lend if you can its important to help
• Always be charitable to those in need
• It doesn't matter what you believe just that you believe (take your kids to church or synagogue)
• HUG HUG HUG
• Pay yourself first - its important to work hard but always reward yourself with something for a job well done
• Take vacations
• Love your children
• Family is important - spend time with them - even when you don't always get along
• Taste everything
• Everything in moderation
• Never back someone into a corner without giving them a way out with their pride
• Grandchildren are fun to play with
• Marriage matters - stick with it
• Travel to new places and embrace new learning
• Find something interesting in everything
• Never pass up an opportunity to learn or experience something new even if you think you will not like it
• Every opportunity is AN OPPORTUNITY not to be missed
• LIVE your life to the fullest
• If your daughter tells you she is afraid that someone could light her house on fire with a match while she is asleep- don't laugh show her that it is a lot harder than that
• Never laugh at your children's fears - honor them and tell them they are normal and it will be ok
• Turn your old red Volkswagen over in the driveway for fun when your twin brother comes to bring you a new one
• Organize and make files
• Learn how to pack a car really well - I did - and I think I can do it as well as dad - just ask my husband
• Keep and extra twenty hidden in your wallet for emergencies (ok maybe now its 100)
• Save part of your income for a rainy day
• Budget
• Have fun
• Let loose on vacation
• Exercise
• Eat dessert
• Peanut Butter makes a great dessert (or anytime food)
• Pack a cooler and take your kids to the beach on Monday's
• Engage in conversation with people you never thought you would - everyone is interesting if your interested
• Spelling doesn't count
• Love your life, love your family, your children are your legacy and there is no better legacy
• Tell people you love them -
• Sign cards to your wife "Love Me"

It still not long enough and I miss him every day - but I was so lucky to have had him for my dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

/from Nancy

January 28th

"Than you are so lucky, mama," reflected my 9 year old son after our dinner blessing this evening. "You get to think of him every time you have a birthday!" January 28 is the birthday I have always shared with my godfather, Russ.

I shared a few reflections tonight about him, as we ate together- my 9 year old son and 6 year old daughter he never met, myself, and my spouse, Fred, who had deep respect for Uncle Russ. They included a story my father told me- how Russ was so excited the day I was born he covered his own yard with It's a Girl signs. The joyous visit I remembered as a child, when the entire Francisco clan took the train down to New Orleans shortly after my family relocated there. My day with Russ as a newly graduated physical therapist, visiting Point Pleasant and other spots of the Jersey shore, reflecting on adulthood and all it's new responsibilities. The reading he so beautifully read the day of our wedding, and the one I barely made it through the day of his funeral.

Russ Francisco is the man, second to my own father, who I learned the most from during my formative years. For this I am so grateful, especially today, Jan 28. I miss you, Uncle Russ.

/from Patty

Birthday gifts

My earliest memories of Russell date back to November 1965, when Phyllis, his sister-in-law, invited me to have Thanksgiving dinner at her parents’ home in Roselle. I don’t recall if Margie and Russ were present at the dinner, but I’m pretty sure that I met both of them that weekend (my first in N.J.). Russ impressed me as an “earthy” and very friendly person, who had a great affinity for beer. Over the years my impression of him changed greatly, as he sought to reach out for learning, loving his family, enjoying life.

Russ and I shared a mother-in-law, Sylvia, who usually gave the two of us the same birthday present since our birthdays are only apart by 34 days. I would call Russ shortly after Jan. 28 and ask, “Well, what didwe get for our birthdays this year?!”

Of course we shared a great deal more. For starters, we loved each others children. How can I begin to express my appreciation to Russ for all he did for my son Robert and daughter Lisa. He was more than an uncle; he was a friend and mentor. I can never repay the debt I owe him for being a second father to Rob.

Over the years we shared interests in wine and good music, in traveling and in religion. I was amazed at his willingness to pick himself up and travel to Israel (which he called “The Holy Land”). He proved that you don’t have to be Jewish to love Israel! And he confirmed the belief of Pope John XXlll that in order to be a good Catholic, you first must become immersed in the Jewish Bible. For Russ was a good Catholic, full of faith and optimism.

I miss Russ. I often think about him, especially at this time of year. We always wished each other “Happy Birthday.” On this, his 70^th birthday, I will say a prayer for him. And I’m betting he will remember my 70^th on March 3. God bless you, Russell Francisco.

/from Ira

Funny expression

More than the next 10 people

Russ joined our Naples Walking Club when he was here alone one winter and we walked together every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He and I usually went out ahead of the group because of his energy and speed. We had much to talk about in the hour of walking, so I learned quite a bit about that amazing man. I envied his energy and drive which took him to most of the free outdoor events in town, often by bike. He reported on everything from concerts in the park to art and music festivals, nature walks and kayak expeditions.

That man took advantage of all the outdoor events in his power and enjoyed the natural environment of southwest Florida to the highest. His enthusiasm and humor were appreciated by all of our group who met for breakfast after walking. I was always sorry to see him head north for the summer and we all welcomed his return the next year. When I learned of his passing, I could not help but think that his was a life well lived. He got more living out of each day than the next ten people. I know he is doing more of the same on the other side. Go for it, Russ.

/from Mary

On the bench

Walking club

Russ was along on our hiking trip to Amelia Island and was always full of energy and enjoying the beautiful scenery. We also walked with him on our Saturday morning 5k walks beginning and ending at Perkins and enjoyed his stories of his life and travels.

/Dave and Nadine

Leg rest

I am Russ's aunt on his mother's side. My earliest recollection of Russ was when the twins were between 2 and 3 years old (I was sixteen) and I was dating their uncle who was seventeen. His Mom visited with us just about every Saturday, and their Uncle Gene conned both of them into believing that it was a "treat" to hold up his legs while he sat on the sofa at my Mom's home. They would do it to the point of exhaustion and neither one would want to be the first to give up. Gene was a 6 foot, 200 lb. man so it was no easy task, but it soon became a ritual much to everyone's amusement. My first home when I married was in Union, N. J. and Russ was in Roselle and used to come to my home on his bike to mow the lawn when we needed him. My fondest memories of your Dad in my adult years was that he was always the life of the party at all the family gatherings, a non-conformist to say the least, and he always put a different spin on life events and everyday mundane things. He has been sorely missed.

/from Gloria

Call center

I can tell you exactly the day and the reason for my first encounter with Russ. It was January 19, 2000, the day of the Seton Hall fire. Both Russ and I were working in the telephone call room – Jubilee 132 – answering the incoming calls from people trying to trace the students who lived in Boland. I sat across the table from Russ and found his voice and manner calm and soothing even to those of us working under very trying circumstances. You could hear his heart in every call he took – I can still hear him now even though it is ten years later. It was then that I decided I wanted to know this gentle, caring man. It was only later that I found out how wild and crazy he could be … but I enjoyed that part too. I also learned of his patience and knowledge when dealing with computer “novices”.

I don’t want to make him sound like a saint because I’m sure that the imp in him made itself very well known but he was one of the people who left footprints on my heart and wonderful memories in my mind. I look forward some day to meeting up with him again – and then, watch out!!

/From Joan

Travels with Russ

My uncle Russell will always be in my heart. He's a great man. Some memories of Uncle Russell: We traveled a lot together in the RV - to Florida, Maine and Wisconsin. It's funny, every time we entered a new state, he'd pull over and take a picture of the sign. At the state line, he would tell me were going on a 20 min hike or bike ride but it would always turn out to be an 1 1/2 hike or bike ride. But I must say that I always learned something new every time. He was very knowledgeable about places we would travel to. He was always very prepared. When he was planing our travels he made two reservations at two different RV camps. So if one was a not so nice, we'd just go to the other campground. One time it was about 10pm and we made a wrong turn down a dead-end street. We had to disconnect the car we were towing so we could turn around. As we were doing this another car drove by us going really slow and passed us by like three times. You never saw two guys move so fast to get out of there. Kinda scary at the time, but we laughed about it later. He taught me everything there's to know about that RV.

Thoughout my life he took me under his wing and taught me so much about electronics, plumbing...he taught me about life. I was lucky enough to be able to work for him and he showed me how to fix TVs, VCRs, microwaves and air conditioners. I use the knowledge everyday now. Not only was he my Uncle, he was a great friend. I feel honored to have him as my uncle. He would give the shirt off his back for his family and friends. He's a very good hearted person. He was always out to learn new things and he did. I will miss our adventures together. Im sure he's in heaven looking down on us being proud of his family and friends. There's not a day that goes by I don't think about him. He is a very important part of my life. Uncle Russell, I miss you very much. You will always be in my heart. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I love you Uncle Russell.

/from Robert

Best friend

Next to a woman's heart, the most previous possession that ever comes to a man in this world is someone to call "Best Friend." For much of my married life, Russ was my Best Friend. Over the years we shared many interests: traveling, good music, good wine and our extended family. During his all too-short lifetime, Russ had acquired a sort of wisdom of the heart, for he never fooled himself; he knew who he was; he spoke the truth in his heart. An ancient rabbinic tradition teaches that such as value refers to a person who follows the truth even when it is known only to himself.

Another rabbinic saying is, "You can't tell the size of an evergreen until it is cut down." That certainly was the case with Russ. How many of us misunderstood him? For many years, I know that I did. He was wiser than we gave him credit. He certainly gave of himself much more than was given to him.

The legacy that Russ left behind is a living legacy -- his family, all the students he helped (in college and in church). If we take time to examine his legacy, we find it to be impressive indeed. What wonderful examples of values and behavior he left us. For many, our values shape our aspirations. Russ had simpler values -- to care for his family, to learn something new everyday, to live life to its fullest. He was a kind and good human being. I'm proud to have called him my Best Friend.

/From Ira

Remembering a waltz

I met Russell Francisco over the weekend of his Daughter's wedding. All of Nancy's family was warm and welcoming–Russell made me feel like I had known him all my life even though it had only been an hour.

Over the next few days I had the honor and privilege of spending time with Russell and the Francisco's during the pre-wedding preparations.

I watched as Russell opened his home to the arriving guests, treating each one like a long lost relative. He talked to people as if he knew and understood every detail of their emotions. I saw him waltz with his daughter at her wedding, a special gift he had planned by taking lessons.

I am forever thankful and blessed to have had this small window where Russell and his family shared their lives and love. I remember marveling , "this is what a 'father' is and what being a family means."

/From Holly

Russ to the rescue

How do I recount my memories of Russ? There are so many. They go back more than fifty years when Russ began dating Marge. He was a high school senior, Marge was in tenth grade and I was an eighth grader. From time to time I was invited to tag along with them on dates. There were trips to Lakewood in the summer and at least one trip to a drive-in movie which included my best friend and next door neighbor Nancy. We stayed through all the movies that were shown that night. In those years all movie venues showed multiple films, never just one. We had a blast, but when we arrived back home poor Russ got an earful from Nancy’s dad who was pacing the pavement in the wee hours of the morning waiting for our return. I think that was our last trip to the drive-in.'

Russ loved poetry. His penchant for writing it earned me an A in science class when I submitted Russ’ poem which began “If you’ll be my little electron, I’ll be your proton, too. I’ll make your heart go round and round whenever I’m with you.” My teacher loved it.

As a teenager I was rather shy in social situations. It was no surprise that I found myself without a date for my tenth grade dance. Russ to the rescue. He not only took me to the dance, but thanks to his fancy foot work, we won the dance contest. Years later when my daughter’s prom was fast approaching without a confirmed date, I reassured my daughter that if she didn’t find a date, she could rely on Uncle Russ to take her. She did attend with a classmate, but I had no doubt that Russ would have been there for her if she needed him.

My dance wasn’t the only time Russ came to the rescue. As years passed and life became a lot more complicated than dates for dances, Russ was always there to help us through the rough times. Just ask my son Rob. With due respect to Robert Fulghum, Rob owes all he ever needed to know to Russ, not his kindergarten teacher!
At holidays and life cycle events, family celebrations always left us with a special memory when Russ was there. Who can forget Russ singing at Nancy’s wedding or the adventures he took us on when 14 of us traveled through Sweden after David’s wedding?

Thank you, Russ for all you’ve done for us.

/From Phyllis

Potatoes in the woods

My name is Laura and I grow up with Russell and his twin brother Roger. He lived on 10th Avenue and I lived around the corner on Chestnut Street. We always hung out on 10th Avenue and there was a lot of us. There was Tommy Stanchek, the Rikers who lived up over him, Johnny PaPa, Joe Bruen, Robert Warner. We played football, baseball and stick ball, roller skated. A few times we went into the wooded area by his house and made a fire and someone would bring potatoes, another person would bring the butter. They were the best potatoes I ever had. I sure miss Russell. I saw him the last time at our 50th class reunion.

/from Laura

Memories of Hackelbarney

It was the summer of 1969 and Mr. Francisco rented a pop-up trailer for a camping vacation. My dad, Ed Lucas never missed a chance to play a joke on someone. Late one evening he placed a sign on the front lawn by the fully popped up trailer GYSPY FORTUNE TELLER INSIDE. The sign resulted in a few call outs from passing cars. I know a sign was placed on our front lawn but I do not recall what it said, I think it was something about swim lessons since we recently got a backyard pool.

There was another summer vacation spent with the Cozzi family. Robert the youngest Cozzi had trouble during vacations and needed a little help from Ex lax. Mrs. Cozzi purchased a small package of the chocoloted variety. Mr. Francisco showed Robert how good the medicine tasted on the way to where ever the vacation spot was. It was not too long into the trip that there was a need to stop at every rest stop because the medication started to work.

There was a summer cookout at the duplex on Amsterdam Ave. in Roselle. The little hibachi had a small piece of a two by four holding up the cooking grates. We all know how well fire and wood go together. It was not too long before the two by four caught on fire. All Mr. Francisco could do was yell, "FIRE" and run around in a circle. Mark saved the day by getting the hose, turning on the water and putting out the two by four.

I also recall my dad saying that Mr. Francisco did not take turning 30 too well. He said something about Mr Francisco taking to his rocking chair and moaning that life was over.

The last time I saw Mr. Francisco as well as Mrs. Francisco was at my home in 2003. We had a bunch of friends at a combination event that included birthday, anniversary, house warming and no mortgage party. My mom had passed away in 2002 and we moved into the house we had purchased for her after she had her strokes in 1996. We gave Mr. and Mrs. Francisco the grand tour Mr. Francisco realized why he did not make more money in the repair of Zenith television sets. Sitting in the TV room was the television set my parents had purchased from him about twenty five years before. The television set died about six months later but who can say that they have a television set last for twenty five years?

I also recall the fall picnics at Hackelbarney State Park. The Francisco, Cozzi and Lucas families would set out early on a Saturday morning in September for the picnic. We would walk from the parking lot into the area where the picnic spots were. We always took the first spot just over the wooden bridge. We would set up the grill, cook the food then take the hike to the play area where the swings were. We then took the long way back by crossing the Black River by stepping on the stones and returning to our picnic site from the opposite direction. Mr Francisco was amazed by my mom Mary's potato salad with its secret ingredient, a hard boiled egg. I have not been back to Hackelbarney since then. I live maybe twenty five minutes from it but I have many happy memories of it.

I will always have a lasting memory of both Mr. and Mrs. Francisco on the videotape of my wedding. I got married in March 1988. The video of the reception shows the people on the dance floor. There are many shots of Mr. and Mrs. Francisco dancing. The song finishing and them leaving the dance floor only to have the next song start up and Mr. Francisco dragging Mrs. Francisco back onto the floor. I still wonder if they got to eat dinner that night.

I was greatly saddened by the news that Mr. Francisco had passed away. I have many happy memories of time spent together over the years. The memories make me smile and I hope that they will make the family smile a little too. It is very difficult to loose someone who is a big part of your life but it is the memories that remain and help us to carry on with life. Always remember that we will all see each other again, it may take a while but we will see each other again.

/from Andrea

Sharing an office

I know Russ from Seton Hall University. I worked with him for two years while I was completing my Masters degree. I worked as a graduate assistant in Computer Training Center and in fact Russ and I shared the same office. Russ was the most fantastic boss I have ever had. He was so full of life and energy, an inspiration to all. His training classes were so much fun. He would bring out the best in you. Anyone could see the true passion he had for his work. He was a true lover of life. I think he lived every moment to the fullest.

I remember he always talked about biking for miles and his love for nature. He in fact always had a bike in the trunk of his car and he would often go biking straight from work. I have learnt so many things from him. I still remember when he took me for lunch and how he introduced me to everyone we met while eating in the University cafe. I think there was a reason why I had tears in my eyes on my last day at the Computer Training Center.

/from Harpreet

56' Ford

I can remember in our senior year Russ got too many tickets and I got to drive him around for six months. It was a pleasure because I didn't have a car yet. Then there was the time we were going down to the beach he was driving his 56?Ford when all of a sudden the hood flew up and we both stuck our heads out to where we were going. It was a brief moment of I guess you would call it excitement. We pulled over and fastened the hood down and proceeded on our way.

Russ and I had some real good times that I cherish to this day, I remember when we steamed off about 8 layers of wallpaper from one of his mother's rooms behind the beauty parlor. That was some fun even though it was a lot of work.

I loved Russ like a brother and am glad that you are putting this together.

/from Ray

An earlier way of life

A fitting sign for a man who was always interested the way things used to be.

/Photo from Bill

Florida hat

/Photo sent by Kassy

Emails

My best memories of Russ are the e-mails he shared with us on their travels to Sweden and Florida. We could sense his excitement for life and we actually felt better after reading them. We're sure that Russ has touched the lives of many in this way.

/from Jim

Laughing and joking

Russell had a great smile. He would laugh and flash those pearly white teeth. His eyes woud wrinkle up, his moustash would twitch and cap that smile. He was a people person and made you feel welcome. He would take you to his magic gaden to see his pride of plants he nourished and they him.

Russell wore this Fedora "outback" hat. Reminded me of the movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Like the movie, Russell was always in motion and after adventure. Russell and Hal enjoyed each other, joking, laughing. One was more of a joker than the other, and prodding each other. They had some good laughs....I hope they are together now, laughing and joking.

/from Vera

A brief encounter

I work at Seton Hall and knew Russell through his work at the Training Center, but I think I actually got to know him better when he retired and started sending out e-mails about his travels. I was amazed at his zest for life and also by his deep faith and piety. I saw him several times after he retired, when he came to visit SHU, and had a lovely dance with him at one of the Employee Christmas parties a few years ago. I was fortunate enough to see him just a few weeks before his death – he dropped into my office in Walsh and we were able to catch up, all too briefly, as there was another meeting to run to. In these “brief encounters” I feel that Russell embodied E.M. Forster’s enjoinder to “only connect” and that Russell did just that, connect, with all the people in his life.

I am delighted to have known Russell, however briefly, because he made me feel as if he knew me. What a tremendous gift he had - his goodness of spirit and integrity of character shone through his soul and warmed us all.

/ from Marie

Great experiences

Russell was a man of many characters and interests. I enjoyed him so much – his garden, visits and parties at his house, his activities, his energy and his shenanigans. Travelling with Russ and Margie -visiting Nancy in California was extremely fun and enlightening; and our journey into New York City one year to see a Broadway play, Ellis Island and many wonderful things. Great experiences – only made greater by Russ’s exuberance and Margie’s warm hospitality and friendship.

/from Suzy

Help with Adobe

I work at Seton Hall University in the Center for Catholic Studies. When I came to the university, not only I did not know anyone at all but the computer system was completely new to me (I am someone who never felt completely at ease with technology). Lucky for me, Russ was one of the first people I met and he made me feel totally at ease not only with the computer system but also his cheery personality was a wonderful welcome.

Over the years Russ was the kindest and most patient person, walking me through all my computer glitches, every time one of these issues came up, I would call him, he would tell me how to fix the problem and tell me all about his family, of whom he was most proud of, and his trips, especially those to Sweden. If I did not have too many computer problems I was almost always sure to catch him after the noon Mass on campus.

I clearly remember the day he came to my office to say good-bye and told me all about the plans for the RV and driving around visiting al the places he had already planned and how wonderful it would be. His enthusiasm and happiness was such that it made one wonder if one could do the same thing, to have that joy of life and to continue to experience everything that came along. It almost made you want to get and RV as well! He did promise that he would send me the photos of the trips --he did, and I very much enjoyed seeing them and from time to time I wondered where the RV had taken him and his wife.

I last saw Russ in June 2009 when he came to Seton Hall and attended the Lonergan Conference, we chatted for a bit, not long enough, and he very quickly brought me up to date on the trips, family and upcoming summer plans and a promise of more email updates, we wished him happy travels as he left with a smile, a wave, full of energy and in high spirits. Needless to say, like everyone, when I learned of his passing I could not believe it.

I was fortunate to meet Russ--I am sure that his welcoming smile made a difference to everyone that arrived at the computer training--he is missed and will always be remembered -- and I will always think of him when I need to do something with Adobe.

His family was his joy and this joy was passed onto others.

/from Gloria