PLATINUM
FUCE5 RUN & WALK
SUNDAY JUNE 18 2023
ABOUT MIKE +
OUR FAMILIES
ABOUT MIKE
THE MAN WITH A SMILE
September 4, 2008 marked a very sad day for our community. It was on that day that Mike Fuccile was tragically murdered on his way to work at the Merrill Lynch office in Jersey City, NJ. He left behind his wife of ten years, Nancy, and three children, Michael 7, Jack 5 and Brooke 3.
He was born and raised in Toms River, NJ and lived in Metuchen for the last ten years. Mike was a graduate of Villanova University, where he and Nancy met and he earned a degree
in accounting.
In those ten Metuchen years, Mike became an integral part of the community through his service to Metuchen Little League, Metuchen Town Soccer, Metuchen Recreation Youth Basketball and so many more activities targeting the kids of Metuchen.
As an active father and family man, Mike played a substantial role in his children’s lives, whether that meant being the team manager for his son’s little league teams or coach of their basketball and soccer teams or even just playing video games with them. He was always the first person to get the wiffleball or kickball games started for the kids at a barbeque or play in a tag football game on the beach.
Mike was always there for anyone who needed him, especially Nancy and the kids. Unfortunately he can’t do that anymore. This is our chance to do some of the things he did, show support for Nancy and the kids, participate in the community and have fun as a family. Mike would have been the first one doing this for someone else, let’s do it for him.
OUR FAMILIES YOU HAVE HELPED
LYNN CONOVER
Lynn Conover passed away in March of 2023 after a 10-month battle with an idiopathic neurological disorder. Despite counsel from multiple doctors, a specific diagnosis was not able to be determined and she passed away at the age of 54. She leaves behind her husband of 20 years and 16 year-old daughter who is a member of the Jill Justin Dance Alliance’s competitive company and the Edison High School volleyball team.
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FRANK FRANCOBANDIERO
Frank Francobandiero tragically passed away in Metuchen on March 3rd, 2023. Frank was a well-known and well-liked member of the Metuchen community since moving to our lovely town in 1997. Throughout his time in Metuchen, Frank shared his talents and generosity in a multitude of ways. With his self-owned business of Franco Construction Co. for over 20 years, he shared his gift and love for carpentry and home improvement by helping countless Metuchen and local residents renovate their homes to create beautiful spaces. It was not uncommon to run into him at the local Home Depot gathering materials for his clients, pass him driving his big white van around town, or see him sitting at Tony’s Pizza in Tano Mall grabbing a couple of slices on his lunch breaks. Frank was a former member of The First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen where he was heavily involved. He sang in the choir, served as a deacon, elder, and confirmation partner. Frank also served on the Community Nursery School board, Building and Grounds Committee, Nominating Committee, as well as volunteered for the 30 Hour Famine, and most notably volunteered his efforts towards the annual Habitat for Humanity Youth Mission trip, where he taught many youth how to use power tools, build homes, and most importantly, help others. Frank raised his three children Gabe, Hayley, and Jacob in Metuchen, who were all successful graduates of Metuchen High School in 2014, 2015, and 2017. Gabe, Hayley, and Jacob were all involved in many sports and organizations growing up in Metuchen. Frank volunteered his time towards coaching their Little League teams and soccer teams, as well as helping out with the Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. Frank could also be found supporting Gabe with his musical talents, cheering him on as he played many instruments at church and school. He supported Hayley during her time as a Cheerleader for Metuchen Pop Warner, and he cheered on Jacob as he ran cross country and track for Metuchen High School. Frank was a fitness enthusiast, and you could most likely see him running or cycling around Metuchen with his local self-named group, “PTP” (Past Their Prime). Frank also had an extensive history with the Fuce 5k race, running in many of the races since its inception, always placing near or at the top for his age group. Most notably, Frank was the overall winner of the inaugural Fuce 5k. Frank is survived by his three children, his wife Lisa, his beloved dogs Casey and Teddy, his mother Kathy, brothers Joe and Tony, and countless other family and friends. Frank will always be remembered for his generous heart, devotion to his children and family, and service to the local community.
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STEVE BREEZE
In early 2022 Steve Breeze want to the hospital for an appendectomy where he learned he had an undiagnosed tumor growing inside of him. For nearly a year, Steve valiantly battled pancreatic cancer. After grueling rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and a surgery attempt to remove the tumor, Steve passed away in late March 2023. He leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Julie and 2 daughters, Beth and Sophie both graduates of MHS. Steve's youngest daughter, Sophie, is currently attending Florida State University where she is in her junior year. The Breezes have been active members in the community since 1996 where Steve spent many years coaching his daughters little league teams and Julie served 16+ years on the board of the Metuchen Education Foundation.
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ROBERT TAYLOR
Robert Taylor passed away on December 16, 2022. Robert was a father, a husband , a son, and a provider for his family. He was a friend, a neighbor, always lending a hand. Robert enjoyed coaching Flag Football in town and loved motivating his players and seeing them gain confidence. Robert was a dedicated and inspirational father to Alexa, Hayden and Layne as well as a supportive, caring husband to his wife, Ingrid of 23 years. He will be forever in their hearts as he touched his family everyday, always making sure he put them first. After his career ended at AT&T , he pursued his true passion in the legal field and graduated from Rutgers Newark Law School with a Juris Doctorate and shortly after that, from Temple University with a Masters in Trial Advocacy. After passing the Bar exam, he found his niche in Personal Injury law , eventually starting a new position at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq in Plainfield. Robert loved spending time with his family ,
cooking and grilling, playing the guitar and being a flag football coach for both of his son’s teams. He enjoyed helping his clients as well
as helping friends and neighbors around town whenever he could. Robert’s energy and presence will be missed by many but he lives on in their hearts forever.
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LIZ LYONS SWEATMAN
In the summer of 2020, Liz Lyons Sweatman underwent surgery to remove basal cell melanoma. Unfortunately, in April 2022, the cancer was discovered to have returned, and it quickly spread. Since then, Liz has been battling very aggressive malignant melanoma, which has continued to spread despite surgery, radiation, and grueling immunotherapy treatments with severe side effects at the Robert Wood Johnson Cancer Institute of New Jersey. The cancer has metastasized to her bones and brain-and she is in pain daily. An alum of Saint Francis Cathedral School, Mother Seton Regional High School, and Rowan University, Liz is a longtime Metuchen resident. She and her husband of 33 years, John, have lived in their home - the home Liz grew up in for 24 years, and both of their children, Katie and John Michael, are graduates of Metuchen High School. Katie Rigney, her elder daughter, was a charter member of MHS’s GSA and of the public library’s Teen Advisory Board and had just completed a Masters in Library and Information Science at Pratt Institute. Liz’s younger son, John, is an Eagle Scout who is currently studying nursing at Ramapo College, and previously performed as the Bulldog mascot with MHS’s cheerleaders while in high school. The Sweatmans have been very active in the community, and Liz is a loving and compassionate wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend.
