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Russ Francis
1953 - 2023
Russ Francis
1953 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1953
DIED
2023
Russ Francis Obituary
Russ Francis was a 13-year veteran of the NFL who played tight end for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers before becoming a professional wrestler with the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
We invite you to share condolences for Russ Francis in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
(Photo: George Rose/Getty Images)
24 Entries
MaryJean Donohue
August 23, 2024
My husband and I were to coaches for an Olympic style boxing club in Whitehall, Mt . Russ frequented their competitive matches and couldn´t resist the heavy bag in our home. We rode horses with him there also but loved his habit of playing tag with his paint horse in that beautiful crystal clear night sky you find in the Rockies.He disappeared from us when we all moved . He had a plane there on the Whitehall strip which was very convenient for him. Long ago I came to appreciate the plays of a great tight end because of him . Continued Blessings of Peace and comfort to his familly. MaryJean [email protected]
James Kawai Kaupe, Jr
April 7, 2024
I´m sorry to hear that Russ Francis had passed away last year due to his air plane malfunction. I send my deepest condolences to his family.I first met Russ when we played against him and his Kailua High School Surf riders during our seasonal game in the ROIA, then the OIA in the early 68-72. I played at Leilehua High School back then. I remember seeing him play against us as a Tight End and as their Quarterback. I was just a little surprised by his ability and performance. He was a great player. My cousins who went to Kailua during that time always rubbed me each game time.
Mahalo and Rest In Peace Big Bradah Russ # 81.
James Kawai Kaupe, Jr, CWO3, USMC, Ret.
Richard N Roger, M.D.
December 26, 2023
So many great times! I think it was 1988; we flew from Palm Springs to Lake Havasu Airport in Russ's 1941 open cockpit Stearman, buzzing the Marine Base, a train & boats @ Lake Havasu. Fun times riding horses and partying at his Lonesome Dove Bar in Stevensville, Mt. Adios old friend. We will be along soon.
Richard N. Roger, M.D.
Rod Royer
November 22, 2023
November 21 2023
Maui No ka 'oi...
My wife and I were care taking a 23 acre estate on the island of Maui back in 1980 for Ron Jacobs/"Who Da Guy" Russ was a friend of Ron's, Russ and Claw his manager came and stayed with us for a few days at the house up country/Maui. We body surfed at little Makenna and ended up at Tony Habibs Mexican restaurant/Wailuku drinking margaritas/beer. Later that night Claw and Russ played/sang western love songs to us both. He was a big-time star on and off the field but so humble and down to earth to both of us. What a special night for us......Rest in peace my friend!
Rod and Chris Royer
How you can show support
Joseph Yasutake
November 3, 2023
Aloha,
My name is Joseph Yasutake. My father coached Pac Five with Don Botelho. Basketball at Maryknoll with Tony Sellitto and me. May I please give his family a Russ Francis 1989 Topps card. He was a friend of my father and he would be smiling if he knew I did that.
[email protected]
Do good things and good things happen.
Mahalo,
Joseph Yasutake
Janie Enright Shaw
October 31, 2023
RUSS, YOU WERE MY FIRST LOVE. I FIRST MET YOU WHEN YOU WERE AT UNIVERSITY OF oregon where my Dad was you're Coach. I was 13 and you were 18. You only saw me as a little kid, but I thought you walked on water. Mom and i went to see you in the musical Oklahoma, and of course i though you were amazing. Later you came to live with us when we move back to Calif. So much fun,taking out our little boat water sking eating at don José mexican restrant with our family going to Newport beach .. Later trips to Hawaii,Where you flew me in your helicopter singing " mama's dont let your babys grow up to be cowboy's.We watched your career and were so happy for you.im so sad to hear of your pass. I truly cried for days for your family. When I told my mom. She said he's probably with your Dad cracking stupid jokes. She passed away on 10/21/23 I told her to say hi from me. Janie (Enright) Shaw.
Christie
October 19, 2023
I met Russ in Marsh Harbor, Bahamas in 1993. He was larger than life figuratively and literally. RIP Russ
Rick Morgan
October 14, 2023
Big Russ's death has hit me hard. I saw him play twice while he was with NE. He was Gronk before Gronk was born. His ability to play TE was unmatched (blocking, pass catching, Running routes , etc.) And what an infectious personality, with a smile that could light up a room. He gave back more than he took. Lots of great memories. Go rest high on that mountain, #81.
Cheryl Termini
October 12, 2023
Flying with him in Cottage Grove Oregon. Russ gave back to the community by working with teens to stop them from drinking and driving. He was an amazing friend and human. He will be missed.
Ron G
October 12, 2023
My condolences to the family and friends of Russ. I recall so well when the Niners were fortunate enough to have Russ play for them. Truly a classy guy that was loved by so many and who will be missed
RIP
Tim Tindall
October 10, 2023
I have 60 years of memories. That is the length of time I knew
Russ Francis. We shared many stories. Some about which I can even speak publicly. Remember me to the family.
Tim Tindall
Formerly KGMB TV
Now: 60 Gerber Road
#305
Asheville NC 28803
[email protected]
Mike Roberts
October 7, 2023
I was fortunate to know Russ when he invited me to Arendt Bob Gibsons fund raiser for the Boys and Girls Club in Omaha. He was a fascinating man. That smile always stays with me. Sad
Bradley McGuire
October 6, 2023
Russ ,thanks for letting me fill in as Best Man for your brother Bill and Lisa's wedding. And a big special thanks for letting me pick up your Masserati from the repair shop in Eugene OR and driving it to Bill and Lisas. Man was I a cool guy for 15 minutes. rest in Peace my friend.
Steve Weld
October 6, 2023
I played on the Kailua Surfrider Basketball with Russ. What a God given athlete he was in all of his sports, Basketball, baseball, football, track and field and wrestling. I am so fortunate to have had the privilege to be one of his teammates. Blessings to the Francis Family. With heartfelt sorrow. Steve Weld Kailua 1972
Kurt Francis
October 6, 2023
Russ, I always had a blast talking to you whether it be emails, texts but especially you´re radio shows. I know I called a lot but you were gracious enough to take my call every time. Great banter and lots of laughs. You´re a stand up guy.
Appreciate all the autographs you signed. You are truly one of a kind. Because of you I got into aviation as well. One day we´ll have that catch we talked about.
I´ll miss ya Cuz. Until we meet again my friend. Aloha Big Kahuna
Kurt Francis.
John Sullivan
October 5, 2023
Aloha 'oe to a fellow Kailua boy and fellow resident of Wrentham, MA. What are those odds of that happening? A true class act who lived life to its fullest. It was a real pleasure to have met him and introduced my son at a Pats Father's Day event at GilletteStadium - see photo. An amazing athlete and favorite of mine as a young boy at Pro Bowls over 40 years ago. Russ helped to build the Eagle Brook Saloon not far from the stadium and always had a smile and encouraging words to put wind in your sails. Go deep, Russ, for one more TD.
Aloha 'oe, 81.
John Sullivan
Wrentham, MA
Karen Lorino
October 4, 2023
Such a shock and a loss for us all. God bless his family. My only real comfort I can add is, he was in an airplane.. you KNOW that man and flying. He was HAPPY.
Lynn LF
October 3, 2023
My condolences and heartfelt grief for his children; mothers of his children; Jaxie; his brothers, sister, nieces and nephews many, many friends and those who will never forget him: his talent, acts of kindness and his legacy. Many are keeping you in thoughts and prayers , always.
Karen Robinson -Roach
October 3, 2023
I remember being 16 years old, in 1974 and meeting Russ. My friend and I went to a Patriots scrimmage at the old Schaefer Stadium. Being goofy teenagers, we had crushes. He was very handsome. And he was very gracious with, like I said, a couple of goofy teenagers. We saw him come out and immediately ran over to him, to get autographs and pictures. He said he didn't have time. But if we came back after the scrimmage, he'd see us then. We thought he was blowing us off. We couldn't believe it when he actually came to meet us! What a class act. He'll be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends and fans. He's a legend. May you rest in peace, Mr. Francis. xoxo
Michael Burns
October 3, 2023
Russ Francis...smooth as silk when catching a ball as a New England Patriot. Had interesting interviews always after a game. Was sad to see him leave New England. RIP big guy!!
JF
October 3, 2023
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Stephanie Lane
October 3, 2023
As we strive to create for the sake of Light
Let us not vacillate, even when day becomes night.
And when destruction raises it's ugly, selfish head to devour,
we will carry the renaissance of life to the last, eternal hour.
So that when the seeds of our ashes settle upon the universe, in their whispers will be heard, for sure
Let the renaissance of life continue...forevermore.
Fly with angels, Russ. Aloha!
Elizabeth Bell
October 2, 2023
R.I.P. Russ
Old School Football Fan
October 2, 2023
I watched a YouTube video that featured an '80s era interview with Russ, the night before the tragic accident. Good looking, smart, gifted in so many respects, and fun to listen to during interviews and watch while he was starring on the gridiron. In regard to his football skills, Howard Cosell frequently described Russ as being "All World." Russ really was that talented, and that great! So sad to hear, and try to process, that he has passed.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
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