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

Saturday, January 15, 2011

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
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