Daniel Wayne Hand

Daniel “Wayne” Hand

Daniel “Wayne” Hand passed away peacefully on December 26, 2023, at the age of 74 with his family by his side. He fought an uphill battle against pancreatic cancer for 20 months. Wayne faced this disease with strength, dignity, and a positive attitude throughout.

Wayne was born on August 16, 1949 in Pueblo, Colorado. He was raised in Pueblo and attended grammar school at St. Pius, and graduated from Pueblo Catholic/ Roncalli High School in 1967. After spending 2 years in the Army, he graduated from Southern Colorado State College (now Colorado State University-Pueblo) with a Bachelor of Science degree. His proudest moment was the birth of his son, Larry, who was born in 1970. 

He went to work for Summit Brick in 1977, and relocated to Albuquerque, NM in 1983 to open a new branch. He was employed by Summit Brick for 46 years and was the Distribution Sales Manager/Consultant until the time of his death. During that time, he developed not only good business relationships, but also lifelong friendships. He was very respected and highly regarded in the industry. He met the love of his life, Janet Franchini in 1996 and they remained together for 27 years until the time of his death.

Wayne’s greatest love was his family and his dog, Sadie. He adored and cherished his grandchildren just as much as they loved and adored him. His second greatest love and passion was golf. He was a highly skilled and accomplished golfer and was very proud of his six holes in one. He was a walking encyclopedia when it came to knowledge of sports, especially football. Before the beginning of social media, he was the main source of any sports related information for his friends. His quick wit, sense of humor, outspoken candidness, along with his lifelong friendships will be deeply missed. 

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Stephanie J. Vigil (Hand) and James G. Hand. He is survived by his life partner, Janet Franchini, son Larry Hand (Kim), Grandchildren Crystal, Taylor, Lindsey, Paige, Reese, Matt, and Julia of Denver and Pueblo, Colorado. He is also survived by Janet’s sons and their families of Phoenix, Arizona. Scott Franchini (Angela) Isabella and Milania, David and daughter Reese, Joey (Amanda) Jaden, James, and Jase. Also survived by his sister, Florence Riddock of Virginia.

Cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Daniel’s Family Funeral Home/Wyoming Chapel, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Service at 10:00 AM, reception to follow. Burial will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to pancreatic cancer research or to the Albuquerque Animal Humane Society.