In Memoriam: Longtime resident Jan Mannion

Jan Mannion, a longtime Miami Lakes resident, teacher and football coach at Hialeah Miami Lakes (HML) passed away on December 18 following an illness. He was 74 years old. Mannion is survived by his wife Diane, son Christopher and grandson Troy.
Mannion retired from Miami Dade County Public Schools after a 33-year teaching and coaching career. He began his teaching career at Central Senior High and transferred to HML the first year it opened in 1971. He taught U.S. History and became a defensive coordinator for the football team. He was proud to be part of the coaching staff that won the Florida State high school football championship in 1975.
He was instrumental in securing college scholarships for many of his football players and had the pleasure of coaching his son. Many accolades have been posted on social media by his former students and players. One student said, “He was an awesome mentor. He always encouraged me to keep playing football and pursue my education.” Another said, “He was a force to be reckoned with.”
One of his former principals, Russ Wheatley, said, “A wonderful man and coach. I will always remember the good times.” A fellow teacher said, “Jan was such a good guy who liked students! Funny and smart. Glad to have known him.” The Trojan Nation mourns his loss.