Juan Francisco Tituana

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Juan Francisco Tituana on July 6, 2026, a loving husband and father, devoted brother and uncle, loyal friend, and proud grandfather. Affectionately known as Paco, Paquito, and Uncle Johnny, Juan lived a life defined by kindness, laughter, curiosity, and an unwavering love for his family and friends. He was 70 years old.

Juan was born on October 31, 1955, in Quito, Ecuador, to Hilda Sofia Tituana and Juan Tituana. He spent his early childhood in Quito alongside his sisters, before his family immigrated to the United States in 1962. They first settled in Washington, D.C., before making their home in Wheaton, Maryland.

A lifelong learner with an unwavering passion for education, Juan graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Class of 1974. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Television Broadcast Management and Production from the University of Maryland in 1981, followed by a Master of Arts in Educational Communications, with a minor in Latin American History, in 1984. In 1988, he achieved another remarkable milestone by earning a Ph.D. in Educational Administration with a minor in Linguistics from the University of Maryland.

Throughout his distinguished career, Juan combined his love of communication, language, and education in ways that touched countless lives. He spent close to 20 years as a Translations Director with National Geographic Television, served as a Center Director for ELS Language Centers, founded his own company, Media and Language Interchange, and most recently dedicated the past eight years as an Education Program Specialist with the Maryland State Department of Education in Baltimore, Maryland.

While his professional accomplishments were many, Juan will be remembered most for the joy he brought to everyday life. Photography was his greatest passion. Whether traveling across the world or simply spending time with family and friends, he was rarely seen without a camera in hand, capturing the beauty of people, landscapes, wildlife, and, of course, the occasional selfie with his beloved selfie stick. Through his lens, he preserved moments that will be treasured for generations.

Juan had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people. His warmth, infectious personality, and genuine curiosity about others made everyone feel welcome. He loved gathering around good food—especially his favorite paella—grilling outdoors while music filled the air, and sharing laughter with family and friends. His playful sense of humor, endless collection of jokes, and unforgettable stories brought smiles to everyone around him. He also had a lifelong fascination with frogs, a quirky passion that perfectly reflected his fun-loving spirit.

Juan is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Tituana; his children, Adrian Tituana and Erica Tituana Hasan (Dario Hasan); and his cherished grandson, Joaquin James "JJ" Hasan, who brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his mother, Hilda Sofia Tituana, and his sisters, Sarita Winter, Patricia Choquette, Cecilia Taramona, and Judy Majors, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Juan lived with generosity, kindness, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit that inspired those around him. His legacy lives on not only through his many professional achievements but through the countless memories he captured with his camera, the friendships he formed, and the love he gave so freely.

Though our hearts are broken by his sudden passing, we find comfort knowing that his legacy will continue on through his children and grandchildren, his photographs will be treasured, and the lives he touched will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to join us for a Memorial Service on Saturday, August 1 at 12pm at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School Chapel (17301 Old Vic Blvd. Olney, MD 20832).