Mark E. Frances

Marcos Eliezer Frances (always known as Mark Frances), 78, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2018 at 12:10 a.m. in Miami, Florida due to a recurrence of AML after a 15 month complete remission. He fought until the very end but eventually it was stronger than he was.

Mark was born on October 28, 1939 in Larissa, Greece to parents Eliezer and Annetta Frances. He was the youngest of three brothers and they, along with his parents, immigrated to the United States in 1955. He graduated from Miami Senior High School, and then went to the University of Miami, graduating there in 1963. He was instrumental in starting the Soccer Club at the University of Miami. He then joined the Peace Corps to give back to the country he felt gave him his life and opportunities, serving in Venezuela. From there he went on to earn a Masters Degree in Spanish Literature at the University of Arizona. In 1971 he met his wife, Judith Neumann, and they were married September 3, 1972. They raised two children, Larry and Ann. He had a long and successful career with the State of Florida that spanned over 30 years. In his spare time, Mark was involved with the Jewish Community Center and active with the Dor Chadash synagogue. He loved exercising, watching soccer and was passionate about current world and financial affairs. He relished the outdoors and tended his own yard until this last hospitalization. Mark was always a positive and upbeat man who never met a stranger. Children attracted to him like magnets. His big voice boomed but his heart was gentle and kind.

He is survived by his wife, Judith, and their two children, Larry Frances (Leslie) and Ann McCue (Russell) and grandchildren, Hannah Grace, Lauren Hope, Ezri and Silas whom he loved with all his heart. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Regina, Zora and June and numerous nieces and nephews. Family was everything to him. He will be missed by so many.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 9, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at Dor Chadash Congregation at 9400 SW 87th Ave., Miami, FL 33176 followed by the internment at Lakeside Memorial Park 10301 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33172. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or to Dor Chadash Congregation.