Franco, Nicholas
Obituary
Nicholas Anthony Franco, age 44, died in Dallas, TX on Wednesday, November 24, 2021,
following a short battle with cancer.
Born on January 31, 1977 in Visalia, CA, his family moved to Denver, CO shortly after his birth
and would eventually settle in El Paso, TX, where he was educated and graduated from Hanks
High School. It was at Hanks during freshman year on a fateful morning in January 1992, that he
would cross paths with a young lady who would eventually become his wife. Nick and April
became fast friends and defying all logic, decided to embark on a long-distance relationship, as
she was moving away shortly after they met. For two years, they survived their time apart and
she returned for senior year. They graduated from high school and moved to Fort Collins, CO to
attend Colorado State University where Nick received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a
concentration in Painting. Nick and April were married on a snowy day in February 2000 in Fort
Collins. The following year, they welcomed their son, Jackson. The family moved to Phoenix, AZ
where Nick was an art educator and spent two years as an artist in residence for the City of
Phoenix. He pursued his Master of Fine Arts degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago,
having moved to Oak Park, IL. Nick moved to Dallas, TX to continue his work as an art educator
for Dallas ISD. Mostly recently, he was a high school graphic design instructor for Irving ISD.
Nick was a creative and talented artist who enjoyed painting and graphic arts. His three favorite
places to be were a museum, a movie theater, and a church because it was in these places you
would have a shared experience with people around you who you may or may not know. He
saw the beauty in everything around him and in every person he met.
Survivors include his wife, April and son, Jackson; his parents, Hope and Hector Franco; his
brother Danny (Adrienne) Franco, nephews Tyler and Kai, as well as numerous aunts, uncles,
cousins, and in-laws. Nick was preceded in death by his grandfather, Enrique Franco, and
grandparents, John and Esperanza Hitchens.
A private memorial service is pending and will be held in El Paso, TX.
Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.
Arrangements under the direction of:
Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home
19310 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75252
214-306-6700
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As a longtime friend of Nicks parents we were asked to be Nicks godparents. We saw him marry his love, April. We saw him parent with love his son , Jackson. We visited them in Colorado and Chicago. We love them all. We will forever keep Nick in our hearts. God Bless you Franco Family
I never met Nick Franco but I knew his son through our time in middle school. And if I’m going off his son I’m sure he was a great man and I wish I could’ve met him when they lived in Oak Park. I apologize for your loss and I hope that everything works out and you find peace. His presence will never cease to exist even if he isn’t with you. He will always be in your hearts as long as you believe he is there.
From knowing Jackson throughout our time in high school it was obvious the amount of respect and love Jackson held for his Dad. He would often tell me how much of an inspiration he found his parents and how lucky he felt. I personally did not know Mr. Franco but I do know he was an incredible man by the way he raised his amazing son. I am so sorry for your family’s loss and hope you allow yourselves the time to heal.
i am so deeply sorry for this incredible and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest sympathies at this time, and infinite support and help in any way that i can. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jackson for 6 years and he has been such a warmth in my life, and every time i met and got to interact with Nick was a joy. Sending love and warmth.
Much love to the Francos. A lovely family who lost a lovely man.
I’m truly sorry for your loss. Jackson is very good friend, and I know how close he was to his dad. I’m praying for strength and healing.
May Mr. Franco’s soul be on God’s right hand and his memory be a blessing.
Jackson, I’m so sorry for the unimaginable loss you are facing. Your dad raised an absolutely amazing, kind, caring, talented human being. I know he was proud of the person you have and are continuing to become. While I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your dad, it seems that his creativity and kindness are qualities that will live on through you. Please remember that you are not alone, and if you or your mom need anything I’m here. Your whole family is in my prayers. Sending so much love.
I love my dear nephew with all my heart and weep at his passing. He was a light in our family and always spread laughter and joy. His artistic nature made talking to him a constant pleasure. When he was a little guy, I adored spending time with him and his brother, Danny: helping him learn to swim, watching him help me decorate my little apartment Christmas tree and celebrating our birthdays. Love you forever, dearest Nicky! Gretet
Heaven gained another angel. I’ve known Nick since he met April. I am a step aunt and my brother could not love April, Nick & Jackson more. Nick had a calm, quiet strength. It was always clear April & Jackson were the center of his life. Condolences especially to April, Jackson, Hope & Hector, Rosie & Tim and all who loved Nick.
Sending my condolences to the Franco family. I met Mr. Franco only a few times but he was such a lovely man. He raised such a caring and talented kid who will grow up to make his family proud. Jackson, if you or your family needs anything, please reach out. Sending my love and prayers.
While I never had the honor or meeting Mr. Franco, his son, Jackson, is easily one of the best people I have ever met. Jackson always spoke so highly of his father, and I am at peace knowing that his talent, selflessness, and strength lives on in his son. I love you Jackson!
My heart breaks for Jackson and Mrs. Franco! I worked with Nick for two years at IDEA in Dallas ISD. He was one of the most calm educators I ever met, and while we lost touch, I appreciated him beyond measure at work.
Mr. Franco was my art teacher during my freshman year of high school. He always challenged me to think outside of the box, and I appreciate that very much so. My heart goes out to his friends & family.
My love and prayer go out to April & Jachson. May the amazing photos and memories of your life together hold you until you are once again reunited. Always remember that you are stronger than you will ever realize April! Jackson is blessed to call you Mom and to have called Nick Dad!! Continue to lean on each other with love!
Our hearts are heavy with the news of your terrible loss Jackson! We hope the wonderful memories you have of your Dad will comfort you. Sending thoughts of peace to you and your Mom.
The Barnett’s
A love like April and Nick’s is one of song, poetry, epic novels and multi-million dollar movies. I’m gutted for her and their son’s loss. This is not the ending this love story deserved, but to know it existed gives hope in addition to the sorrow. The world lost a good man and the world is the worse for it. The only consolation is the beautiful legacy he is leaving behind with his loving wife and son.
I was shocked to hear that Mr.Franco passed away he was one of the best art teachers I have ever had in high school . My heart goes out to his family
My condolences and prayers are with April, Jackson, and the Franco family. May he rest with the angels above!
God Bless!
I never met you Nick, knowing you only through your loving wife, April, who thought the world of you. You guys helped me believe that true love and friendship truly exists because of your story and the life you led together as a family. Sending hugs and love to April and Jackson, now and always.
April and Jackson, our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you April and Jackson! I never met Nick in person but seeing his picture on social media I can safely say he was a gentle soul. May he Rest in Eternal peace.
April, I had the pleasure of meeting Nick before a race we ran together in Dallas. He was there to support you and, as anyone that knew you knows, you always supported him too. Your mutual love for one another was pure & palpable. I’m so grateful my path crossed with yours when it did. You are a gift to everyone, especially those you love as deeply as your son & your loving husband, Nick – may he now Rest In Peace. Hugs, April!
Nick was one of a kind – a rare combination of a fantastic sense of humor, coupled with true empathy and compassion for others. To be around Nick, even just as a friend, was to feel love, warmth, and kindness in everything that he did. It could accurately be said that Nick was a real life scholar and a gentleman. I am tremendously saddened by his absence, but will hold him in fond memory indefinitely. Nick, you will be missed eternally, and forgotten never.
April I am praying for you, Jackson and everyone who loves Nick. May God comfort you and give you strength in your grief. Yours is such a precious love story. You have so many memories to cherish. Sending my love and hugs.
Nick was one of a kind – a rare combination of a fantastic sense of humor, coupled with true empathy and compassion for others. To be around Nick, even just as a friend, was to feel love, warmth, and kindness in everything that he did. It could accurately be said that Nick was a real life scholar and a gentleman. I am tremendously saddened by his absence, but will hold him in fond memory indefinitely. Nick, you will be missed eternally, and forgotten never.
My deepest condolences to April,Jackson, Danny and entire family. Hope/Hector, my thoughts are with you. You have so many wonderful memories, a beautiful family of love over so many years. I am truly saddened and I have nothing but fond memories of him. Sending my love and prayers from afar. Love, Yvonne
I can’t begin to say how sorry I am for this loss. Nick was an exceptional human being and consistently exuded a peaceful kind energy. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing this beautiful soul was truly lucky. He surely is the brightest star in heaven.
While I never met Nick, I heard about him through April. Through her stories, it was clear that he was an amazing human being and very much loved by April and their son. It was nice to learn more about his talents and know that his work will beautify the world for generations to come. I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
How well everyone on this page knew and loved Nick! Descriptions of Nick as empathetic, compassionate, calm, quiet, humorous, amazing, exceptional, spreading laughter and joy and a lovely man are all on point. When April mentions the movie theater as one of NIck’s favorite places to be, Beth and I are reminded of one time at Hope and Hector’s when Nick recommended that we see Billy Elliot. The movie had not been on our radar but we went to see it and of course it was terrific. It went on to win awards for the movie and as a Broadway play. So, we have to add to all of the wonderful things said about Nick that he was a great movie reviewer. He was loved and he is missed. Our thoughts and sympathies are with April, Jackson, Hope, Hector and the families. Alan and Beth Abbott