Notice regarding Coronavirus...Read More

Plan Ahead

Franco, Nicholas

January 31, 1977 –
 November 24, 2021

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

    Ron and Cathy Koenig
    28 Nov 2021
    11:06pm

    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

    Nile Thompson
    28 Nov 2021
    11:10pm

    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.

    Emma Phillips
    28 Nov 2021
    11:13pm

    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.

    jake parrish
    28 Nov 2021
    11:20pm

    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.

    28 Nov 2021
    11:29pm

    Much love to the Francos. A lovely family who lost a lovely man.

    Ciara Ryan
    28 Nov 2021
    11:39pm

    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.

    Zoe Brass
    28 Nov 2021
    11:46pm

    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.

    Margaret
    29 Nov 2021
    12:13am

    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

    Tracy Hogan
    29 Nov 2021
    9:30am

    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.

    Reghan Barnett
    29 Nov 2021
    11:12am

    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.

    Maura
    29 Nov 2021
    11:14am

    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!

    Autumn Lamphier
    29 Nov 2021
    11:28am

    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.

    Robert Bell
    29 Nov 2021
    1:02pm

    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.

    Andree Griffin
    29 Nov 2021
    1:11pm

    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!

    Marcia Barnett
    29 Nov 2021
    4:17pm

    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

    Karina Dominguez Smith
    29 Nov 2021
    6:48pm

    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.

    29 Nov 2021
    11:39pm

    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

    Paul Torres
    30 Nov 2021
    2:47am

    My condolences and prayers are with April, Jackson, and the Franco family. May he rest with the angels above!
    God Bless!

    Stacy Turke
    30 Nov 2021
    4:08am

    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.

    Richard Padilla and family
    30 Nov 2021
    8:37am

    April and Jackson, our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.

    Sharon Lee
    30 Nov 2021
    1:20pm

    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.

    Tracy
    30 Nov 2021
    8:34pm

    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!

    Matt & Netta Caligari
    1 Dec 2021
    2:40am

    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.

    Becky Brinkley
    1 Dec 2021
    1:00pm

    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.

    Matt and Netta Caligari
    1 Dec 2021
    5:26pm

    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.

    Yvonne Ponce
    2 Dec 2021
    9:52am

    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

    Lacy Rice
    2 Dec 2021
    5:28pm

    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.

    T Francis
    5 Dec 2021
    4:15pm

    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.

    Alan Abbott
    6 Dec 2021
    12:42pm

    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

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Testimonials

R. Driver
Read More
"Excellent customer service, they made you feel like you were their only customer. Very helpful and explained what we should expect during the process. They basically took care of our needs during this time. They contacted DFW National Cemetery for us which made it a smooth experience. Definitely will use them again."
K. Barker
Read More
"I was amazed how professional the team at Aria Funeral Preston Dallas Texas are. They guided me through the process and my options of their services that they offered for my mother. They are compassionate, caring, calm, good listener, efficient and did an excellent job! Thank you!"
R. Woll
Read More
"If I could give 6 stars I would. Aria made a difficult easier to deal with by basically taking care of everything in an efficient but very empathetic manner. I can speak highly enough of Dusty Martin, who helped us with all of the planning and logistics. He was incredibly understanding and helpful."
Angel M.
Read More
"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
McGee Family
Read More
"Wayne and Staff, thank you for taking care of the arrangements for our mom, Exter McGee and our dad, Philip McGee. You have been great to work with during such a difficult time."
Elledge Family
Elledge Family
Read More
"On behalf of my family, I wanted you to know how much we appreciate your handling of my husband's final arrangements. Wayne Baxter assisted & guided us through the entire process with such care & compassion. Don't know what we would have done without him! Sincerely, Colleen Elledge"
The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
Read More
"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
Read More
"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
Previous
Next

Get In Touch

Locations

Immediate Attention

Contact Us

Preston Road

“George Bush at Preston”

Aria - Northwest Highway

“5 Miles East of Hillcrest Memorial Park / Lake Highlands”

Funeral Homes Irving Tx: Aria Cremation

“Belt Line Road at 183”

Fannin Memorial Gardens

Veterans Funeral Services

Darst Funeral Home

Search Obituaries

Search

Important Information

  1. If death has occurred and or is imminent, please call the Aria location nearest you.

    PRESTON ROAD
    214.306.6700

    NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
    214.340.8008

    BELTLINE ROAD
    972.607.4400

  2. Click here to Download the Cremation Forms.
  3. Have the cremation authorization form notarized
  4. Fax the forms back to us at:
    • NW Highway
      214-340-8009
    • Preston Rd.
      972-526-7410
    • Belt Line Rd.
      972-573-1008
 

Additional Information