Miss your great smile!!

Dan was a wonderful teacher and a genuinely great guy. He will be missed terribly by all of his students and colleagues.

Thank you Mr. Francia for sharing a positive word and a big smile everyday. It was nice to work with you at HML.

I will miss seeing your face in the morning as I enter the main office to sign in. You would greet me with a smile and beautiful compliment each morning. Spread your wings and fly high my brother, may the holy spirit grant you peace and comfort. Dan will most definitely be missed.

I will miss the warm greetings and beautiful smile Dan gave all of us at HML every morning. May the Lord comfort your hearts. Blessings! M. Rodriguez

Dan and I go way back to our College days at St. John’s University in Queens, NY. I was lucky to become friends with Dan while working together at SJU. We only were able to spend time with one another for a short while as he transferred to St. Lawrence U in upstate NY. Even though we were far away from each other, Dan and I always kept in touch (I must say he was better at it than I) which I always appreciated! It was always great to speak with him and catch up on each other’s lives as we grew older. I only wish we could have seen each other in person once in awhile and take time out from our busy lives. I can say I am very proud to have had Dan as a friend over the years! He always offered encouragement and help to me and I know many others including his students and family! From what I know, Dan was a hard worker and accomplished Teacher who loved his family and friends. Thank you for being my friend Dan and very sorry that you left us early. RIP! I light a red candle for our days at SJU who’s colors are red.

I will always remember you, Mr. Francia smiling at me and saying good morning and kinds words of optimism. Always there, by the sign in in the main office, as you did to everyone else in our faculty, I still see you and smile at you. Your words every morning are so much missed already …I know you are in heaven saying kind words to all angels around you. rest in Peace Dan. Mrs. Iglesias

Dan, thank you for the many texts that were sent between us saying you and I are praying for each other. For, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 says: "Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Thanks again, for all of your prayers. Bless

Dan was an HML colleague and friend for many, many years. His wonderful smile and positive outlook endeared him to everyone, teachers & students alike. He will be missed by the Social Studies Dept. & by the students whose lives he touched.

Danny, I am very sorry to hear of your passing so early. I can see from the many testimonials that you were a fine educator and made a positive difference in the lives of many people. Rest in peace.

Dan will be missed by all of us at United Teachers of Dade. He was a person you could count on for anything and everything. He was a true activist and advocate for his profession, his colleagues, his school, and his students. He always had a smile, a kind word and a hug and the three of us will carry his memory always. Carol, thank you for sharing him with us and the UTD Family is always here for you. May you find comfort and strength in knowing that he was loved by so many.

Daniel Francia was an exceptional teacher, friend, and mentor. He exemplified Trojan Nation. Hialeah-Miami Lakes Adult Education Center will miss that beautiful smile and heart! Condolences to the Francia family. Rest in Peace.

It’s been 3 weeks since Danny passed, and I still have trouble wrapping my head around it. He was so passionate, so vibrant. In busy years, we’d at least make time to catch up around the holidays. I will miss this year’s call. Dan’s life was one of which he could be proud. He touched a lot of lives and left a lot of positive feelings as he moved through life. I pray that he is enjoying his new, eternal life in heaven right now. Enjoy your mansion, Cuz!!

Dan was the first smiling face I saw everyday at HML. He always asked how things were going for me, listened and offered sage advice. A highlight of my day since I am a new teacher and don’t know many people. Dan knew more about me than I did of him. We talked of school, politics and life. He was compassionate and caring. He noticed – before I said a word – the day I came in with a car key on my keyring, meaning I was no longer taking public transportation or an Uber to school everyday. He cared for others, was infinitely supportive and I dearly miss him.

I am so grateful that I have known you for 11 years at Hialeah Miami Lakes High School. I’m going to miss seeing in the morning when I come in as well as our talks about the union, politics. R.I.P. my friend I’m really going to miss you thanks for everything. Eunice Jones Johnson