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

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

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
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