DIBATTISTA, Francesco (Frank)

Following a valiant battle with Cancer, Frank passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2 at the age of 66, and now joins his late wife Antonia (Rocchi, d.2007) in Heaven. Frank was a pillar of strength to his sons Silvano (Natalie) and Renato (Kelly), and he was the proud Nonno of his adoring grandson Dominic. Frank will also be dearly missed by his friend and partner, Judy McGregor and her children Jennifer (Brock) and Cameron (Stephanie). His sly smile and quiet charm are fondly remembered by his extended family and friends here in Canada and in Italy. Frank is survived by his brothers Armando (Maria), Carlo (Domenica), Paolo (Rosanna, d.2015) and sister Mariella (Fernando), as well as many nieces and nephews who are mourning the loss of their beloved Zio Franco. Frank immigrated to Canada in 1967, and was a long-time employee of both Oaks Precast and Blount Canada; most recently, he was a dedicated employee at Marymount Cemetery. When he wasn't cheering for his sons on the soccer pitch or the football field, you could often find Frank enjoying a beer and some laughter at Tony's Billiards, where his presence has been missed while he bravely fought his illness. Frank's family would like to extend their gratitude to all the healthcare workers who assisted him at home in his final days, especially Dr. Kennedy, as well as his dedicated nurses and therapists, Tammy, Bonita, Margaret, and Shelley. The family will receive friends at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph, on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A vigil for Frank will be on Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Basilica of Our Lady on Tuesday, February 7th, 2017 at 10 a.m. Entombment at Our Lady Immaculate Mausoleum. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and Hospice Wellington.