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

Sunday, January 16, 2011

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
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