Tribute Wall
Loading...
G
Guy Padula posted a condolence
Thursday, June 22, 2017
I never had the honor of meeting Judge Francis but I have spent the past three years writing a book in which he features very prominently. The book is on the history of racial profiling and is entitled Colorblind Racial Profiling: A Supreme Injustice and it will be published by Routledge. Judge Francis is one of the few judges who really tried to make a difference. I am sorry to see he passed away, I had been hoping I could meet him.
C
Carol Ruckle posted a condolence
Monday, May 12, 2008
Dear Peggy,
Don't know if you remember me, but we used to be neighbors when you lived on Indian Birch Road in Turnersville. Was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I didn't know until a few days ago. Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
H
Howard posted a condolence
Monday, May 5, 2008
Hi Peggy,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bob was a lot like his dad whom I had the pleasure of working with at Pitman National Bank. Joe would be so proud of Bob.
We fondly remember you, Bob and Penny being accepted into membership at Pitman Methodist Church - same day.
With warm personal regards,
Howard and Penny
K
KCaviston posted a condolence
Friday, May 2, 2008
Peggy, I was very sorry to hear the news about Bob. I cannot possibly say anything that could ease your pain and grief. I just want you to know that I hope to support you during this unbelievably difficult time of sorrow.
Love, Kathy
F
Fred Last, Jeff Wintner, et als. posted a condolence
Thursday, May 1, 2008
On April 24, 2008 New Jersey lost a truly great judge and human being when the Honorable Robert E. Francis, J.S.C., retired passed away in Woodbury.
Judge Francis changed the course of law enforcement in New Jersey with his decision in State v. Soto, the first successful challenge to the New Jersey State Police practice of racial profiling. We served as defense counsel in the Soto case, and we had known Judge Francis long before Soto began.
During his years as a lawyer, a prosecutor and a judge he was known for his fairness and his intellectual honesty. He treated everyone with dignity and respect and was truly a gentleman. Bob Francis’ respect for the rights of all did not begin with Soto. Even as a young prosecutor winning cases was not the most important thing to him. He would seek dismissals rather than imperil a defendant’s liberty on evidence that he found questionable.
The Soto case presented a pressure-packed environment that would have tested the greatest of judges. Despite the pressure that would have cowed the average judge, Judge Francis was unfazed. His only interest was to find the truth.
Judge Francis was a conservative man by nature. It was apparent to us that Judge Francis began the Soto hearing skeptical of the allegation that the New Jersey State Police engaged in racial profiling. As the hearing progressed, Judge Francis was moved by the evidence, epitomizing another great judicial quality, open mindedness.
He was a quiet and humble man who highlighted the nobility of the law without bringing any attention to himself. We experienced this first hand in 2007 when the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey awarded Judge Francis the Lawrence Whipple Memorial Award for his scholarship and courage. In accepting the award Judge Francis took no credit for Soto. He introduced the lawyers who had presented the case, he said that we had done all the hard work, for we had marshaled the proofs and met our burden of persuasion, and he applauded us. We greatly appreciated this, but we knew then as now that the credit belonged to him. It took great courage to rule that the State Police had discriminated. It took great courage knowing the firestorm that would result if he did the right thing. Because of his courage many of our citizens of all races have led better lives. Gloucester County in particular has been enriched by his many years of service.
Spending six months before Judge Francis we became better people and better lawyers. He is our hero, and we will not forget him.
William H. Buckman
Fred B. Last
Justin T. Loughry
Wayne E. Natale
P. Jeffrey Wintner
D
David Wible posted a condolence
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Dear Peg, My sincere condolances. It was an honor and a privilege having known Bob. I enjoyed our discussions about trees and his love of nature. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of grief. Again my condolances, Dave Wible
J
Jennifer Trotman posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
As former Deputy Surrogate I had the privilege of working closely with Judge Francis for several years. Through those years he taught me so much and we worked well together. He put in so many late nights doing research on cases. I remember vividly one probate trial he decided on at 9:00 p.m. Judge Francis always made me feel that I was an intricate part of his Court, and for that, I am grateful. I will sadly miss him.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you always.
D
Diane & Bud McClintock posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Dear Peg, Carolyn and Amy- we were both saddened and shocked by Bob's passing. Although we've only known the Judge for about 10 years, we feel like we've known him all our lives. We're amazed how much you can learn about a person over dinner!! And what we've learned is that the Judge was a compassionate, principled man, of quiet dignity- but crazy about his family, especially grand-kids. He's been especially kind to us, giving Lynn (and Butler) a chance to shine! Our deepest condolences for your loss.
L
Laura Scruggs posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Dear Mrs. Francis and family,
I appeared before your husband and father and to me as a Judge during 1993 to 2003 on several interesting cases. Please accept my condolences on your loss. I am glad I had the opportunity to appear before the Judge and respected his insight and judgment on those cases. He will be missed.
Laura J. Scruggs, Esquire
g
gayle morrison posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I've never had the pleasure to meet Bob's family, but I feel like I know everyone from our numerous conversations about our families, phillies, eagles, travel experiences and not to mention NOTRE DAME. College football season won't be the same without our conversations on Monday afternoons about how Notre Dame either won on a prayer or lost to a pansie team! He knew how to give it to me.
I should mention that I work at Heroe's Restaurant and always enjoyed seeing and sharing banter with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time.
Gayle Morrison
L
Lynn McClintock & Butler posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
To Peg & Family:
I have learned so much from him professionally,
Thoroughly enjoyed his company personally,
And will miss him immensely!
The Judge’s quiet, soft-spoken demeanor and unassuming smile spoke volumes about his character, intellect and true understanding for others. I have always – and will continue to think of him and smile.
With much love, respect and admiration now and always, Lynn & Butler
J
Jacki Weatherby posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I have many great memories of Judge Francis from working as his Court Recorder and then Court Clerk for many years. What an honor to work with someone who always made you feel like family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jacki Weatherby & family
K
Kristy Rotberg - Haines posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2008
Dear Mrs. Francis, Carolyn, and Amy,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Francis' passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Amy, I have the best memories of our childhood together, and I'm truly saddened about your Dad. God bless all of you.
Love,
Kristy and family
J
Jane Pape posted a condolence
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Dear Peggy and family,
My heartful sorrows are with you,it doesn't seem possiable as we had his Mother for K and 1st as she wasn't allowed to teach Bobby; I often played at his house; his Mother and Father were so nice.
Stay close to the Lord and he will see you through everything.
Blessings, Jane Howey Pape
T
The Kennedy's posted a condolence
Sunday, April 27, 2008
"Mom", Carolyn, & Amy, we are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that the pain is gone. Everyone is in our thoughts and prayers. If you need ANYTHING just let me know! Love, John, Michelle and Jason
J
Johnnetta M. Scott posted a condolence
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Peggy our love and prayers are with you.
Scottie and Johnnetta
P
Pat (Carbone) Ott posted a condolence
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Peggy,
I'm so sorry to read of Bob's passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Pat
125 Pitman Avenue
Pitman, NJ 08071
Phone: (856) 589-6308