MDC Mourns Loss Of Longtime Equipment And Facilities Manager
Bryan Hall was a bright presence at Miami Dade College.
Always diligent, the long-time equipment and facilities manager was often seen patrolling the North Campus hallways at full speed, ready to tackle his next task. There was always something to do, something to fix or someone to help.
Hall, a staple at the College since 1985, was known for his work ethic, reliability and positive character.
“Bryan was always an ultimate professional. He provided high level customer service and the best of himself in whatever task or project given to him,” said North Campus President Fermin Vazquez. “He cared greatly about Miami Dade College.”
On Sept. 6, Hall’s friends and family gathered to celebrate his life at the Wright & Young Funeral Home in Miami.
He died of natural causes on August 23 in Palmetto General Hospital. Hall was 61.
“Bryan was a person who came through for everyone… and that’s how we will all remember him,” said Portia McKinney, an administrative office clerk and Hall’s longtime friend.
Early Years
Hall, the eighth of 10 siblings, was born in Miami in June of 1964.
He looked up to his older brothers, Billy and Ernie. They inspired him to pursue higher education and to be the best version of himself.
From a young age, Hall was soft-spoken yet remarkably articulate—he had a natural flair for communication that made people feel heard and understood.
After graduating from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 1982, he attended North Campus, where he earned an associate’s degree in marketing and business administration.
Hall began working at the College in 1985, serving as a part-time employee in the audio and visual department. He supervised events and managed work orders.
That same year, he was promoted to full-time as equipment and facilities manager for the physical education department. He served in that role in five different departments in his 38 years at the College.
Hall oversaw the installation of new equipment and furniture and collaborated with vendors to improve the college’s infrastructure. His kindness and humor left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
“When he came in, even if the day was going bad, he always found a way to cheer you up,” McKinney said. “He was a wonderful person to have in our lives and a blessing in mine.”
The two forged a strong friendship 18 years ago, when Hall joined the campus administration department. McKinney affectionately called Hall her “work-husband.”
They quickly bonded, having coffee-fueled conversations about their challenges, doctors appointments and lives.
“Waffee—that’s what Bryan called the coffee I made…because I put too much water in it,” McKinney recalled as she laughed at the memory.
Good Samaritan
For Hall, lending a hand to others and bringing happiness to children was a priority.
Every December, he and his co-workers lead the production of the annual Children’s Holiday celebration at North Campus, a free community event that unites families in celebration of the holiday season.
It includes performances, rides, tents with cartoon characters, a petting zoo and a visit from Santa.
Hall managed the food courtyard, assisting food vendors to ensure everyone who attended had a great time. He was also devoted to the Gospel Festival that took place during Black History Month.
“He was a very selfless and caring person, always helping people no matter what,” McKinney said. “He was very dedicated to his job.”
Family Man
Outside of work, Hall loved spending time with his family. Whether it was cooking or talking football, he made sure to make the most of his time with them.
Summer vacations were dear to him. He traveled to Virginia to visit his grandparents and siblings or embarked on voyages to Disneyland in Orlando.
“He was a great jokester…he loved to make us laugh,” said Hall’s younger sister, Lanie.
His nieces were his world. He helped them with homework, called them to sing happy birthday and took tremendous pride in their achievements.
Following his retirement from North Campus in March of 2024, he remained close with his work family as well.
Before he retired, they stood by him when he battled thrombocytopenic purpura, a blood disorder that makes blood clots appear in small vessels. Last year, when a septic infection forced him to get blood transfusions that resulted in pneumonia and near kidney failure, they staunchly remained by his side.
So when he was hospitalized in August, they did what he always did for them: they checked in on him.
“When I went to visit him in the hospital I would walk in and say, “Bryan, your work wife is here’….as I talked to him he shook his head and I knew he had heard me,” McKinney said.
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