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

Thursday, January 20, 2011

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.
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