How do I recount my memories of Russ? There are so many. They go back more than fifty years when Russ began dating Marge. He was a high school senior, Marge was in tenth grade and I was an eighth grader. From time to time I was invited to tag along with them on dates. There were trips to Lakewood in the summer and at least one trip to a drive-in movie which included my best friend and next door neighbor Nancy. We stayed through all the movies that were shown that night. In those years all movie venues showed multiple films, never just one. We had a blast, but when we arrived back home poor Russ got an earful from Nancy’s dad who was pacing the pavement in the wee hours of the morning waiting for our return. I think that was our last trip to the drive-in.'
Russ loved poetry. His penchant for writing it earned me an A in science class when I submitted Russ’ poem which began “If you’ll be my little electron, I’ll be your proton, too. I’ll make your heart go round and round whenever I’m with you.” My teacher loved it.
As a teenager I was rather shy in social situations. It was no surprise that I found myself without a date for my tenth grade dance. Russ to the rescue. He not only took me to the dance, but thanks to his fancy foot work, we won the dance contest. Years later when my daughter’s prom was fast approaching without a confirmed date, I reassured my daughter that if she didn’t find a date, she could rely on Uncle Russ to take her. She did attend with a classmate, but I had no doubt that Russ would have been there for her if she needed him.
My dance wasn’t the only time Russ came to the rescue. As years passed and life became a lot more complicated than dates for dances, Russ was always there to help us through the rough times. Just ask my son Rob. With due respect to Robert Fulghum, Rob owes all he ever needed to know to Russ, not his kindergarten teacher!
At holidays and life cycle events, family celebrations always left us with a special memory when Russ was there. Who can forget Russ singing at Nancy’s wedding or the adventures he took us on when 14 of us traveled through Sweden after David’s wedding?
Thank you, Russ for all you’ve done for us.
/From Phyllis
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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