Obituary of Robert G. Francisco

Robert G. Francisco Sr., of Schuyler Road, Town of Florida, passed away suddenly on August 31, 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, one day past his 76th Birthday. Born in Amsterdam on August 30, 1932 he was a son of the late Harry and Bessie Fitzdam Francisco. A lifelong area resident, Bob grew up on his family's farm. He attended the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School and was a 1951 graduate. He married the former Rosemary VanAllen at St. Mary's Church in Amsterdam on September 21, 1952. Together, they began their family and raised their children on the family farm. In 1972 he went to work for the United States Postal Service as a rural letter carrier before retiring in 1996. Bob was a life member of the Florida Volunteer Fire Department and the National Association of Rural Letter Carriers. He was a former Councilman for the Town of Florida and also served on the school board for the Town of Florida, Minaville District. Bob will be remembered as a hard worker and one who loved to tinker. He also loved to work in his garden and on small projects. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He was predeceased by his brother Leroy Francisco. His loving family includes his wife of over 55 years, Rosemary V. Francisco of Town of Florida; two daughters, Kathleen F. Rose of the Town of Florida and Melissa F. Meier and her husband Michael of Virgina Beach, VA; one son, Robert G. Francisco, Jr. and his wife Susan of the Town of Florida; a sister, Janice Lewek of the Town of Florida; four grandchildren, Peter J. Rose and his wife Mary of Canajoharie, Lindsay Kietzmann and her husband Ryan of the Town of Florida, Carrie Francisco and Haley Francisco, both of the Town of Florida; and two great grandchildren, Taryn and Jack Rose. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 11:00AM at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. Interment will follow in Chuctanunda Cemetery, Minaville. Relatives and friends are invited and may call from 4:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the Town of Florida Vol. Fire Dept., 6252 State Hwy 30, Amsterdam, NY 12010, G.A.V.A.C., PO Box 11, Amsterdam, NY 12010, the American Diabetes Assoc., 7 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205, or the American Heart Assoc., 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.