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

Friday, January 7, 2011

Travels with Russ

My uncle Russell will always be in my heart. He's a great man. Some memories of Uncle Russell: We traveled a lot together in the RV - to Florida, Maine and Wisconsin. It's funny, every time we entered a new state, he'd pull over and take a picture of the sign. At the state line, he would tell me were going on a 20 min hike or bike ride but it would always turn out to be an 1 1/2 hike or bike ride. But I must say that I always learned something new every time. He was very knowledgeable about places we would travel to. He was always very prepared. When he was planing our travels he made two reservations at two different RV camps. So if one was a not so nice, we'd just go to the other campground. One time it was about 10pm and we made a wrong turn down a dead-end street. We had to disconnect the car we were towing so we could turn around. As we were doing this another car drove by us going really slow and passed us by like three times. You never saw two guys move so fast to get out of there. Kinda scary at the time, but we laughed about it later. He taught me everything there's to know about that RV.

Thoughout my life he took me under his wing and taught me so much about electronics, plumbing...he taught me about life. I was lucky enough to be able to work for him and he showed me how to fix TVs, VCRs, microwaves and air conditioners. I use the knowledge everyday now. Not only was he my Uncle, he was a great friend. I feel honored to have him as my uncle. He would give the shirt off his back for his family and friends. He's a very good hearted person. He was always out to learn new things and he did. I will miss our adventures together. Im sure he's in heaven looking down on us being proud of his family and friends. There's not a day that goes by I don't think about him. He is a very important part of my life. Uncle Russell, I miss you very much. You will always be in my heart. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I love you Uncle Russell.

/from Robert

No comments: