Daniel (never Dan) McLaughlin died Friday in San Francisco, his hometown, at 59 years old. He was a devoted educator, an idealistic and committed community member and a fiercely-loving husband, father and friend. Daniel was a force of nature—brilliant, intense, generous, exuberant, and sensitive. He had a huge heart, which grew that much larger when someone needed him, especially a child. He connected with and cared deeply about kids.

Daniel was born and raised in San Francisco. He graduated early from Tamalpais High School, spent a final high school year at The Branson School and graduated from Yale University in 1982, where he developed lasting friendships that he nurtured with annual trips and frequent conversations. Engaged in politics his whole adult life, Daniel worked on political campaigns in his early career and continued later as a volunteer. His lifelong passion for education began teaching history at Antioch High School, and continued at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where he again made a large and loving circle of friends and where he met his wife of 27 years, Francine Miller.

Daniel spent approximately a decade at WestEd, working with high schools to improve their curriculum and management. He went on to co-found Envision Schools, a network of charter high schools. In 2014, he established OnePurpose School in San Francisco, a thriving charter school dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. OnePurpose is focused on the evidence-based goal that completing college is the key to getting out of poverty. Daniel also served on multiple school boards and led the volunteer effort to bring Stuart Hall High School out of a financial crisis.

Daniel and Francine have two children, Cade Miller McLaughlin and Bryn Miller McLaughlin. He adored the three of them. He was predeceased by his younger brother, Peter, whose recent death was a source of great sorrow for him, and his father, Herb. In addition to Francine, Cade and Bryn, Daniel is survived by his brother, Riley, his mother, Eve Pell, and his half-sisters, Grace and Gwen. He leaves in his wake a legion of friends, adopted family members and godchildren. We are all heartbroken.

There will be a private burial. A memorial celebration will be scheduled in the coming months. Please consider a donation to your favorite educational organization in his memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 23 to Sep. 24, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel McLaughlin

39 Entries

Rosine Stallings

October 15, 2022

Mr. McLaughlin was my 9th grade teacher at Park Jr. High (Antioch) in 1983. He was very inspiring and made school fun at a time when kids are going through the crossroads. He cared about his students and took us all to a Warriors game and was inclusive to all his students. He was young and full of life, just out of college and made an impact on those who were blessed to be students of his. He shared about his time at Yale which I'm sure inspired all of us to pursue higher education. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.

John Heffernan

March 6, 2020

I just found out about Daniel's death and although we hadn't seen each other in years, I have some very fond memories of Daniel and his inimitable spirit, infectious passion and resounding compassion for humanity. In 1984, we traveled together to Nicaragua together to pick coffee during the war. Many of the young men, who typically picked coffee, were at the front fighting the US-backed Contras. I witnessed Daniel's commitment and dedication first hand. Upon returning from Nicaragua, Daniel's deep sense of commitment and responsibility was no more apparent than as an advocate for the people of Nicaragua. I learned from Daniel and nearly forty years later feel his indomitable spirit and energy. Fran, we met briefly years ago when you and Daniel stayed at our apartment in NYC, I can't imagine your loss. But, I know that you know that all who were lucky enough to have been touched by Daniel's presence are better off today.

Mike Timms

January 8, 2020

I just heard about Daniel's passing and I am very sorry to hear this. I worked in the office next to Daniel at WestEd and we worked on projects together. I know he will be sorely missed. My condolences.

zahid sardar

December 30, 2019

I just learned of Daniel's passing and am devastated. I met him and Fran at our son's pre-school gathering two decades ago and we became instant friends and even traveled together. Although we saw less of each other lately my family and I have always felt connected to Daniel and Fran and their kids and will miss his charismatic presence. Adieu friend.
with love,
Zahid and Tasneem

Frank Torrano

November 9, 2019

I just found out today about Daniel's passing.
I worked with Daniel at Envision Schools. He was a very, warm and, loving man. I ran into him a year or two ago at Whole Foods and I heard about his work at the school in Hunter's Point.
I have deep respect and love for him. My heart to his family.
Frank Torrano
Former Digital Media Teacher, City Arts and Tech High School

Berta Nadal

November 3, 2019

Nos llegó la noticia hace 5 días. Consternados e incrédulos, nos ha ido invadiendo un dolor profundo que se resiste a irse. Tuvimos la suerte de compartir unos días juntos este pasado mes de junio, cuando estuvieron en nuestra casa Daniel, Fran y Bryn. Como en cada ocasión que nos hemos visto, ya sea en San Francisco o en Girona, disfrutamos del sencillo estar juntos, de la compañía, de conversaciones largas y sin prisa, tranquilas, sobre política, educación, el crecer de nuestros hijos, algunos en la adolescencia tardía y otros ya adultos, y también cómo no de nuestras vidas. Y en todas estas conversaciones, Daniel se mostraba empático, optimista y entusiasta. Estoy segura que es por cómo era que nuestros hijos, Guillem & Ari, Fede y Borja tenían una relación estrecha y franca con él. Su sonrisa, ironía y buen humor siempre estaban presentes. Escuchaba atento y su empatía te hacía sentirte bien. Lo recuerdo y sonrío.

Andy Reinhardt

October 27, 2019

I just learned this evening of Daniel's passing while having dinner with our mutual friend Alex Shapiro. What terrible news. We were friends as kids at MCDS and good-naturedly rivals in college, and then reconnected as adults in Noe Valley, where I also got to meet Fran. Danny always epitomised energy and enthusiasm and sweetness of heart to me. I'm devastated to know we won't we able to meet again. Peace be with you, Daniel. And to Fran and the kids, please accept my deepest condolences.

Jo Ann Izu

October 23, 2019

I was stunned to hear this news. Daniel, you will certainly be missed in this community. So glad I had the opportunity to work with you at WestEd so many years ago. My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with your family.

Tom & Lori Vassar

October 20, 2019

God Bless you Daniel!

David & Angela Hirabayashi

October 19, 2019

It is with a heavy heart that we give our condolences to Daniel's entire family and his friends. To Eve, we are sending our love and hugs. Peace.

Mary Meredith

October 16, 2019

Remembering high school days and Daniel's bright light & exuberant spirit... Not surprised to read of his accomplishments & the effects he had on so many people, but stunned & very saddened to learn of his passing. Aloha old friend.

Ken Harrington

October 15, 2019

Dan, you will be missed. I'll always remember the years teaching your son mathematics and the numerous positive interactions we all had. You visited our classroom a few times, and the room glowed before/after your visit. You made our World a better place. My thoughts, sympathy, and positive energy are with your family.

Claire Wibroe Traub

October 15, 2019

I knew Daniel in his earlier days at MCDS and Bransons. Although we only kept in touch sporadically since then, I can still remember his laugh, his very bright mind and ever so kind heard & warmth. My very sincere condolences to his family and so very many people who Daniel touched throughout his life.

Kyle Miller

October 13, 2019

I met Daniel during the early days of Envision and got to know and like him over several years of work together. Hands down he was one of the loviest, finest, kindest people I have known. I am so sorry and sad to hear this news. My thoughts are with his family.

Michael Rugen

October 9, 2019

I was lucky enough to meet Daniel a few years ago when I was co-founding Friends of the Children - SF Bay Area, a nonprofit that empowers Bayview Hunters Point children facing the biggest barriers to break the generational cycle of poverty. Our mission resonated with Daniel and he immediately became a friend and informal adviser. He was an intellectual powerhouse with an incredibly generous heart. He did so much good for so many, and will be missed by all!

- Michael Rugen

Deborah Hicks

October 2, 2019

My entire family was saddened to hear about Daniel's passing. We first came to know Daniel as a fellow SHHS basketball parent, then as a comrade in the fight to save SHHS, and finally in my involvement with One Purpose School.
He was a delightful man, purposeful in everything he decided to engage in. Encouraging education was such a key factor in his life and his accomplishments have made an incredible difference to so many.
Our sincere sympathy goes out to his family. He was a wonderful man.

October 2, 2019

I had the pleasure of working with Daniel on the business plan for Envision Schools when I was a consultant at The Bridgespan Group in the early 2000s and, afterwards, bumped into him from time to time in our Noe Valley neighborhood. As a 20-something year-old I was in awe of his intellect, passion, and enthusiasm. Later on, as we occasionally would casually run into each other, I was always amazed by the fact that he remembered my name and genuinely cared about how I was doing. His passion was infectious and I know he inspired hundreds, if not thousands, over his lifetime with his energy, passion, and optimism. His is a great loss, but his legacy is even bigger. My heartfelt condolences to his family. I hope you may take comfort in the assurance that Daniel's life was one richly and fully lived and that will continue to inspire those who knew him for decades to come. Sending gratitude, comfort, and love to you.

Alexandra Shapiro

October 1, 2019

I knew Daniel in childhood at MCDS and then again in high school senior year and he was always the kindest, brightest, most generous kid and young man. His passing is a shock to me, bringing back dear memories of shared laughter and recess play from so long ago. My condolences to his wife and children, such a terrible loss.

Jo Ann Shane

September 30, 2019

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says: "there she is gone!" "Gone where?" Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her dimished size is in me, not in her, And just at that moment when someone at my sidw says "There she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!" And that is dying. Anonymous

Salt Spring Island, 2006 (I think). Daniel, Evelyn White, Fran, Cade, Bryn

Joanne Bealy

September 28, 2019

Daniel, Fran and Nora Abramson at a small celebration (04/05?)

September 28, 2019

Daniel as bartender for the Envision Schools Staff/Holiday Party (2003 or 04?)

September 28, 2019

Yale University. May 1982. Daniel McLaughlin and Nate Dudley. Long Live.

Nathan Dudley

September 27, 2019

Nathan Dudley

September 27, 2019

Dan cared about people and worked to make the world a better place, which to me is the highest of callings and the reason we are put here. We went to college together, protested together, and traveled together for two months from the Soviet Union to the Spain World Cup in 1982. That bond lasted forever and we always picked up where we left off, talking about our schools, about education in America, about our families, about how to make the world better. I am in shock. Dan lives in me. Thank you Dan. Peace and Blessings to Fran, Cade, and Bryn. Much love.

Rachel Elginsmith

September 27, 2019

I am so saddened to hear about Daniel's passing. We crossed paths often in our work for Bay Area children. His spirit and enthusiasm were always true inspiration. The world lost a bright light here. My sincere condolences to his family. He had a tremendous impact.

September 26, 2019

I'm so sorry to hear the news about Dan. He was a wonderful guy who made such a difference in the world. Our deepest condolences to Francine, Cade and Bryn.
--Arvind and Kelle

Daisy's and Kiaras Aguilar Fam!!!

September 25, 2019

I don't know what to say I really thank Daniel and fam for what they have done for our children's!!!
And I will keep them in my prayers!!!

WE WILL MISS HIM A LOT!!!

September 25, 2019

You will be missed by so many different people whose lives you touched and changed in positive ways...

Angela Blatteis

September 25, 2019

Dear Family,

Our Senior year of Branson's, i commuted to and from school with Daniel and got to know him. He was so passionate and brilliant and so kind. While we did not stay in touch, my heart hurts at the loss of Daniel. My deepest sympathies are with his family, especially his wife and children.

Angela Blatteis (Strasburger)

Denice Leong

September 25, 2019

I worked with Daniel at Envision and kept it touch with him when he started One Purpose. He was such a champion for our children, always so positive and while the work was hard he made sure to show us all how much of an impact we had on the students. I am so sadden to hear the news. Sending love and prayers.

Lawland Long

September 24, 2019

Dear family and friends:
I just saw Daniel and Fran for the last concert at Stern Grove this summer. We both attend Harvard and reconnected here in SF for education community and our common favorite sport squash. I had a dream to work together and have a 0-21 school with Daniel
He was a devoted man working for the people in every walk of life, big hearted, grand ambitions and a champion change agent

I will forever miss his honorable spirit

Isae Wada

September 24, 2019

I am a loss for words. Please accept my deepest condolences. Rest in peace, dear friend. The world is a lesser place without your incredible passion and spirit.

Shilpa Duvoor

September 24, 2019

Daniel had such a big heart -- no matter what he always wanted what was best for kids. I worked with Daniel at Envision Schools for three years, and we kept in touch over the years. During my time at Envision, he always pushed me to be my best and to do right by kids. He inspired me to become a teacher, as I'm sure he's inspired many others. As I've reconnected with my Envision family, I know he will always live on in my heart and in the hearts of all the others he's worked with. I am incredibly saddened by this loss -- the world has lost a truly compassionate soul. May he rest in peace, and my heartfelt condolences to his family.

Peace,
Shilpa

Dan Appel

September 24, 2019

As a former member of the Noe Valley basketball group from the 90s and 00s, I wanted to express my condolences. In the atmosphere of friendly competition where testosterone sometimes took over, Daniel was always the same sweet, good-natured guy. A great loss.

Frances Dinkelspiel

September 23, 2019

Daniel was an inspiring, charismatic man. I am so sorry for his passing and send my condolences to the family.

Geoffrey Applegarth

September 23, 2019

Dear Fran, Cade & Bryn ~
My deepest condolences for your heartbreaking loss. I admired and respected Daniel and appreciated his intelligence, wit & humor.
No words can express my sorrow and sadness,
Geoff Applegarth

Monique Peot

September 23, 2019

Daniel was my boss at Envision many years ago. He was always so kind and sweet. I will miss his love for children and our education system and his positive nature. May he rest in peace and may his family find peace as well.
xo,
Monique

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results