Daniel Joseph Francis

Daniel Joseph Francis, 33, of Santa Rosa, California, died unexpectedly on July 21, 2025.

Born March 27, 1992, in San Francisco, he was the beloved son of Mary Frances and Joe Francis and the devoted brother of Mateo Villalovos.

Daniel followed a life of dedication and pride in his craft. After attending Our Lady of Loretto School in Novato and completing high school in Santa Cruz, he earned several certificates from Santa Rosa Junior College. He then completed a four-year apprenticeship with San Francisco Iron Workers Local 377, becoming a skilled journeyman welder celebrated for his expertise.

A lifelong learner with a warm spirit, Daniel had a wide range of passions. His interests included classic novels, skateboarding, boxing, hiking, auto mechanics, gunsmithing, archery, and physical fitness. His handsome presence and genuine good humor brightened every room. Daniel’s extensive car collection reflected not just his love of vehicles but his dedication to crafting and maintaining them - he deeply enjoyed working on each one. His time on an organic farm in Petaluma nurtured his eco-conscious values and inspired both culinary creativity and a passion for sustainable living.

He is survived by his parents - Mary Frances and Joe (Paula) Francis; his brother Mateo Villalovos; grandparents Cecily Stanton O'Connor, William J. Francis, and Arlene Francis; uncles Thomas Woodward and Philip Francis; and many aunts, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by aunt Julia Woodward, grandfather Robert O’Connor, grandmother MaeBeth Hoover Francis, and great-grandmother Dorothy Stanton Johnson. Daniel’s lineage includes Irish miner James Stanton, artist John Aloysius Stanton, Attorney General George Asbury Johnson, and Lebanese immigrants Joseph and Labibe Francis.

Daniel’s warmth, generous spirit, and readiness to lend a hand made every life he touched brighter. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.