In Death, Maplewood Man Saves 3 Lives Through Organ Donation

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — After Joseph Gery François, 53, of Maplewood passed away last year, his organs saved three lives through successful liver and kidney transplants, according to the Sharing Network, which raises awareness about organ donation.

The Summit postal carrier's tissue donation of bone, skin and cornea also enhanced the lives of countless others, said the Network recently.

Francois, who was a postal carrier in Summit for the last four years, "will be fondly remembered," according to his obituary, "by friends and family as a problem solver. Mr. François would rise to meet any challenge and taught himself how to fix almost anything, from cars to furniture. He had a generous soul and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

“Losing a loved one is hard, but saving others is so incredible," said Rose-Danielle François, his wife of 22 years. "Giving the gift of life is truly a blessing, and I am thankful to NJ Sharing Network for their support during this difficult time for our family.

Their children, Corali, Giovanni, and Daryl, were also thankful that Gery’s gifts helped save the lives of others.

Born and raised in Jean Rabel, Haiti, François was a CPA and administrator at Quisqueya University. He sacrificed his professional career in Haiti to bring his wife and children to the United States in 2006 for safety and a better life.

François passed away on May 2, 2020.

“My husband spoiled us so much. I never had to do anything. He was my lover, protector and my best friend,” said Rose-Danielle recently.

According to the Sharing Network, in the midst of her grief, Rose-Danielle thought deeply about François’ giving nature and realized that organ and tissue donation was the right thing to do.

“Gery was a very practical man, and I know if he was able to talk that day he would say ‘yes, let’s save those people’s lives,’” said Rose-Danielle.

4,000 people waiting

In New Jersey, there are nearly 4,000 residents currently waiting for a life-saving transplant, and one person in New Jersey dies every three days waiting for a transplant, says the Sharing Network.

Just one organ and tissue donor can save 8 lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people. Transplantable organs include heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and intestine. Transplantable tissue includes corneas, heart valves, skin grafts, and bone grafts, ligament and tendons.

To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

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