I met Russell Francisco over the weekend of his Daughter's wedding. All of Nancy's family was warm and welcoming–Russell made me feel like I had known him all my life even though it had only been an hour.
Over the next few days I had the honor and privilege of spending time with Russell and the Francisco's during the pre-wedding preparations.
I watched as Russell opened his home to the arriving guests, treating each one like a long lost relative. He talked to people as if he knew and understood every detail of their emotions. I saw him waltz with his daughter at her wedding, a special gift he had planned by taking lessons.
I am forever thankful and blessed to have had this small window where Russell and his family shared their lives and love. I remember marveling , "this is what a 'father' is and what being a family means."
/From Holly
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
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
Friday, January 7, 2011
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