I can’t believe it’s been almost 3 months since you left us.  We miss you so much!  We are all trying to find our way but it’s hard.  I think of you so often in that I am having to take care of our house and I know that was what you did!  I want you to know that you were the best!  I will always love you and love the person you were to our girls. I have so many wonderful memories to cherish. I just want you to Rest In Peace until, we are together again 💙

Dad, to say we miss you would be an understatement. I think about you pretty much every second of every day. This sounds weird, but I feel so close to you now. I feel like you are with me in everything I do. I can feel your presence in the room, see your silly face looking at me, and hear your voice & laugh. I only wish I could still feel your big strong hug and meet up with you to do fun things together. Your service was the most beautiful tribute to your life. So many people who love you were there. What an impact you made on this life - wow! But for me, Katy and Mom, saying our final goodbyes at your service still feels like a surreal nightmare. We took your boat out the next day and while it wasn't the same without you there, we still felt you. We were crying while listening to one of your memorial songs on the beach when a solar rainbow (a super rare sighting) appeared in the sky! Thank you for sending us that sign. Please keep them coming. We also played pool volleyball with the family in your honor that night. Wasn't the same without Legend calling the shots. Duke, Grace, Kenny and I talk about you everyday. The kids miss you a lot. Please watch over them and keep them safe. I love you so much, forever & ever.  Thank you for being you - an irreplaceable dad, papa, husband, friend, son, and brother. You truly will always be the best!

Now you & my grandma can share a butter milk biscuit together like old time 💜

Boo and girls beautiful tribute to your husband/dad a/k/a Fran❤️

I have one word for Fran…. “Term Basketball”❤️❤️

Everglades City loves you!!❤️

Love you three! Noēl

Boo and girls ,
We are so incredibility sad to hear of Kim aka Coach’s passing . Our deepest condolences. 
Coach is a legend and whenever we think of Kim or say his name, we always laugh and smile ! Coach touched all of us in such an enduring way ! We are going to miss our fun buddy, his sense of humor and his passion for life. Heaven gained another angel to watch over because he knew we needed help ! 
We will always think of Coach when we hear Frank Sinatra’s song “My Way”. Coach wouldn’t have it any other way. 
We love you buddy , we saved you a spot at the Brisson Bar ! 
Love Blaine and Jo . 


Uncle Kim was a great guy. I always enjoyed getting a chance to see him on our visits to Florida or his visits to Michigan.  The memory that stands out to me was a game of volleyball in my parents' backyard in Michigan, when he couldn't help but start coaching Katy and her friend. You could really see the passion he had for coaching and teaching. He will be greatly missed.

I first knew Coach Francisco as a player for St. John Neumann in the mid '80's.  We sure had some knock down, drag outs in those days.  I remember wondering how in the world these extremely tough and hard-nosed kids played for such a nice guy.  I realized at some point that it wasn't a show... he was just one of these guys that was incredibly tough... and a truly good man at the same time.  He sure loved those players... that much was clear.  Over the years... I have gotten to know many of the young men that played for Coach in those days.  We would always laugh about the intensity of the rivalry... but more importantly we would always talk about Coach Francisco.  He was the perfect coach at the perfect time in that community.  A truly special combination... an unending legacy for sure.

Later I got to know Coach better as I officiated many of his games at Everglades City and Lely.  He was a fantastic coach and always managed to be good natured... no matter how intense things got.  To be truly admired and deeply respected in equal measure… is an absolute rarity… and Kim Francisco was just that.

I hear now that Coach wondered if I "held a grudge" from those battles in the 80's.  Not a chance.  The truth is that I would have loved to have played for him.  The rumor was... there was no locks on those gym doors down there.  

Rest in peace Coach Francisco.  I pray for peace Coach's family... please know that he truly made a huge impact, and he will never be forgotten.


Kim was a thrill to work with at Lely HE ×AS 100 PERCENT AB[UT THE KIDS.  As a basketball coach, he knew the game very well, much better than most. I was blessed  to call him friend. 

Kim was one of 32 grandchildren on the Snyder side of the family.
The Ruth & Forrest Snyder family of ten children was raised in lower mid west Michigan on the Fulton a farm.  The family grew and grew. 
Kim reminds me so much of my dad/ his grandpa. Friendly, loving and always a very giving person. A great teacher and friend to all.

He was an avid Detroit Tiger fan as I am and we would Tex our play by plays of the game.  We were true fans through good times and bad.  Our latest bet is on when Miggy will hit his 500th home run.  
Kim would always pick us up at the airport and take us to his mom's for a winter visit.  We attended ball games and had so much fun with him and Boo. 
We will so miss our Tiger chats, and his loving kindness .
Love, Hugs and Prayers for Boo and the girls.

I’ll never forget lunch time bball with Coach Francisco. Was about 30-45mins of just pure chaos lol. But everyone knew what to do when we heard “baaaaaalllllsssss uuuuuuppppppp” the worst words ever for us to hear knowing it was time to get to class after lunch break, but something we will never forget, because we knew we wouldn’t of even had the opportunity to play if it weren’t for Coach! You were the best, man….You’ll never be forgotten! 🙏🏼🧡

Kim and I have known each other since kindergarten, way back in 1961.  By the time we got to high school we were best buddies.  We did everything together, hundreds of hours of Strat-O-Matic football and basketball.  Thousands of hours of basketball.   We played high school ball, one year of college ball, intramural at Western, many city league games and pick up games at any time.  
One of my favorite memories, December of our senior year we both decided that we needed some  fancy coats.  So we went shopping for new coats.  I found a long black coat with black fur lining and collar. Kim's was a tan long coat with dark brown fur lining and collar!  We were so bad!
Also, we  have a golf tournament that we call, The Idiot Open.  Kim came up with the idea 43 years ago and it's still going!  Kim and I did win a couple of these together.  
Finally, I was honored to have Kim as my Best Man and then later, I was his Best Man.  That doesn't happen very often!
My wife, Annette, and I were blessed by a recent vacation with Kim and Boo and Jim and Deb Deveney and Bob and Shelly Bradstreet.  In June, we went a whirlwind tour of the upper peninsula of Michigan ending with a day on Mackinac Island.  It was such a special time, we had so much fun!  So glad we got to spend a week with them in our favorite place!
Miss him already, I often still want text him on our Tigers.


Gosh, where do I even begin. I have known the Francisco family pretty much my whole life, or at least long enough to have my first memories. When I was a kid, my dad and Coach Francisco taught/coached together and we all lived in the same neighborhood so when my dad would take us to the park, Kim and the girls would be there too. I don’t really remember that, but I do remember that my very first friend in life was Jenna Francisco. We sat next to each other in first grade (but not for long because we had to be separated for laughing and talking too much- shocker). Fast forward, over the years we would still see the Francisco’s at Lely or sport functions but it wasn’t until high school we were “reunited” again. Almost every weekend we were at the Francisco’s swimming, watching tv in the back room, and getting into lowkey trouble. Kim ALWAYS without fail would greet me with his signature smile and cup in hand. “Hey playa! How’s the Nickster?!”. I can hear it now even. Kim was my drivers Ed teacher and because I was besties with Jenna, would let me teachers pet it in class. When the day came to take my driving test I thought “piece of cake, Kim will give me hints if I need”. When the time came to take my test he asked me if I had any questions or needed refreshing before my test. I said NOPE! About half way into the driving test he told me he needed to see a 3-point turn. I said A WHAT? Lol. I did not pass my test that day but he pulled over and showed me himself what it was so the next time I would pass. I love that he didn’t let me cheat or help me at the time- it’s the same integrity that I saw in my own dad and always made me feel so safe and comfortable with Kim! I remember seeing him so much when I helped Katy find her first condo to buy. Kim was there for every inspection, every viewing, and was there painting and fixing prior to her move in. He loved his girls something fierce. He is so so missed already. I love you Francisco’s! Rest easy Kim- 💜

Legend treated me like one of his own...said I was family...made every event so meaningful....I think I caught a volleyball in the face and I will never forget it! Love you! Legend and Brother ❤ looking over us is priceless and an honor! Love yall!

Drivers Ed class, teaching me to be a patient driver. Enjoying McDonald’s, and chatting a cool life stuff! Shhh! ❤️🙏❤️

Kim and I were very close growing up. He was two years older than me. Both of us were very picky eaters. We drove my parents crazy because there were a lot of things we wouldn't eat. My mom ended up making us separate meals many times. One thing we both loved were fish sticks and fries. We both got better with age but I never saw Kim eat mashed potatoes or even a hot dog.

We grew up playing all kinds of sports. My mom would take us golfing when we were only 6 and 8. We both grew to love the game. During Kim's senior year in high school he got to play in the Michigan Class B State Championships. He continued to play every weekend after he moved to Florida. Kim and my mom both had holes in one.

Basketball was his favorite sport. He played grade school thru Kellogg Community College and beyond. His specialty was shooting. We had thousands of HORSE games and one on one games growing up. I am so glad he had the opportunity to coach basketball and stay close to the game he loved. 

Kim will be missed by everyone who knew him. 

The people of Everglades City were not inviting to outsiders but Coach Francisco quickly won the hearts of the entire community.  He has become apart of our history and  stories about Coach will be told to our children and our children’s children.  Although his vocation affectionately became his identity  “Coach”,  he was more than a Coach.   He was an excellent Teacher, and his use of  “science basketball” was genius.  He made learning fun and he connected with all students not just the ones who wanted to learn. His presence in the classroom was calming.   As a human, there were few better.   Some game days, he would drive from Golden Gate to Everglades.  He would teach all day then jump on a bus and take us to Ft Myers.   Then win or lose after coaching his guts out, put us back on the bus and take is somewhere to eat.  Then after a long ride back to Everglades City, he would drive home any of the kids that didn’t have a ride.  Some of these kids lived half way to Miami but he would still drive them home then drive all the way back to Golden Gate.  That was his heart!!  That was who he was!! How can that example not positively impact me and an entire community.  He was kind man and no one was outside of his circle.  All were welcome and I already miss him.  

I am so grateful that I was able to make Aunt Joyce’s and Uncle Sam’s memorial in June.  Since Kim moved to Florida, we had not seen him very often.  During the 2020 election, we commented on each other’s page as we had the same ideas.  So glad we got to catch up that June day.  No one would have ever thought it would be the last.  Kim, enjoy the presence of the Lord and the Snyder reunion in heaven.  See you again cousin.  Anita

Thank God I became best friends with Katy in 1st grade, because that would mean that I would get to spend a lot of my life with Kim and the family. Everytime  I went to the Francisco’s (even up to this year) I would crack up at every joke and silly face that Kim would make… the girls would always yell at me and say “STOP… don’t encourage him!” He would greet me with “yoooo player” or “Amyyyyy Russettttoooooo”. But everything he did was absolutely hilarious! He has been such a bright light in our lives, and I was super excited to see him no matter what we were doing.. even if it just meant a casual dinner at Larry’s, because I knew I would be entertained by him. I have been to jury duty twice, BOTH times with Kim, since he loved it and practically volunteered for it, and yep, you guess it, I laughed the whole day with him. So many family vacations, Seafood Festivals, pool volleyball games, boat days, holidays and so much more. I don’t think I’ve experienced a loss quite like this one. I will miss him forever, but I know there are enough memories to remind me of him daily. Love you forever player! 

Coach and Ralph had a “hair” match bet ,(before kids) that’s how long ago it was😁, the played 18 holes of golf, winner got to shave the losers hair off… pretty sure Ralph won, Ralph took the clippers to Coach’s hair as soon as they got home.  Good times💕 

One of the perks of becoming friends with Katy was that I got to meet and know the legend that is Kim Francisco. He had the best sense of humor and always made me laugh whenever I hung out with the Francisco family. Before every HS dance, Kim would do a “ROLLLLL CALLLL” before we left & my freshman year I gained a different last name. Every time it came time for my name to be called, Kim would call out for “Stephanie Powers”! I have no idea where my new last name came from but it made him and I laugh every single time. He even called me it while doing attendance in class the year I took drivers ed. The class was very confused but him and I just chuckled as I said here... I feel so lucky to have known this hilarious, caring, awesome man & father. Thank you Shirley, Jenna & Katy for sharing him with all of us, his spirit will continue to live on in all of our hearts. RIP Kim❤️

It was the first day of the 1979-1980 school year.  I met Paul Tribble, Fred Hurlburt and Kim Francisco (the new kid on the block) at our usual car pool parking spot.  Kim decided to drive himself, since he had just arrived from Michigan the night before, and all of his worldly possessions were in his car.  So Fred rode with him, and Paul and I followed.  
We were just coming up on Port of the Islands when Kim's car made a wild swerve to the left.  As Paul and I approached, we saw the 6-7 foot alligator in our lane that Kim was avoiding.  Not usual for our ride down 41.  
When we arrived at the school, Kim was afraid to get out of his car.  He told Fred he was out of there, heading back to Michigan.  Fred, Paul and I did our best to convince him that there were no alligators waiting to attack him when he stepped out of the car.  But Kim kept looking around for proof of our reassurance.  We finally convinced him to get out of his car; we formed a three person gator block around him and walked him to the library for the faculty meeting.  He was met at the library door by principal Tom Chambers who welcomed him with these words,  "Good morning Kim!  Welcome to the home of the Gators!"  
RIP Kim.  No gators up there.  

Spontaneous Friendship. That’s what we had. Sending out texts mid week to say       “ Hey, want to get together?”  And we all looked forward to seeing each other, having a few beers and catching up and laughing together. I am going to miss this so much. Going to miss him calling me BonBon and giving me the half a hug only because I think he felt awkward giving a strong hug. But I knew he felt it. I know he enjoyed being with us as much as we did him. RIP dear Kimbo. We love and miss you immensely. Until we meet again on the other side. ❤️

So many memories come to mind...middle school science class and naming the classroom pet, a rat eventually named Sky King, Coach Fran’s laughter and his “Well now” diplomatic attitude when confronting conflict. He also encouraged us to write to him over the summer back then and Michigan became a real place on the map for this southerner. He really knew how to make you feel seen. In high school, he was always in the gym first thing to greet those of us who came into school that way, shooting free throws, practicing what he preached...practice. Sometimes he greeted me singing “Ba ba ba, ba ba ber Ann”(Beach Boys tune) or BS(my maiden initials), the only time I ever had a nickname! I explained this just a few weeks ago when someone used BS with its usual meaning, I laughed when they weren’t trying to be funny...almost 40 years later. That shy and self-conscious teen really needed that. He was so engaged in basketball for everyone who played, in baseball regardless of the score and even during volleyball, cheering us on. We all knew he was for us! We went to a baseball game as a family recently and it’s still one of my favorite things to do. My whole being automatically relaxes. Keeping stats for the baseball team is such a strong and meaningful memory. I have no doubt that after my brother’s death, the counselor and encourager in him knew I needed something to do, so he asked. Those were some of the most healing times for me, having a purpose with no drama and lots of peace. As a young girl, watching the relationship between he and Boo blossom was so sweet and romantic. She became a part of our E-City family too. Through Facebook we got to watch him continue to love and grow his family, honor his parents and have so much fun! He chose to be a part of our close-knit community for decades and brought something we all needed. What a blessing to us all! Thanks Fran...for all the memories and a life well lived. We are all better for it. Blessings to the whole family. ❤️BS

Kim and Boo  were great friends to my daughter , Kirtley, for many years!  He was a very special man.  May his family enjoy my wonderful memories of Kim

My family and I are heartbroken over Kim’s passing, but are also so incredibly grateful for all of our years spent laughing and living life with him. My favorite memory is from my childhood when we families took a trip to North Carolina before Christmas. Kim and my dad set up a gift exchange and let each kid run through Walmart to buy a secret Santa gift. He always had a joy for life and fun loving spirit that I will carry with me always. 

I was so very sorry to hear about Kim's passing... I worked with him only briefly at Lely High School, and many, many years ago, but I remember him to this day.  His schedule called for him to 'float' between several different classrooms throughout the day.  Kim had fun with this seemingly negative situation by tricking out a cart on which he carried his class set of textbooks with a side-view mirror, streamers and a bicycle horn.  I always thought there was a lesson in that for everyone to make the best and have fun with whatever life throws our way.  My prayers and condolences to his family.

OBITUARIO

Kim Duane Francisco

17 noviembre, 1955 – 4 agosto, 2021

Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens

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