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
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