Frank passed away peacefully in the arms of his daughters at Hospice Wellington (Guelph) on August 22, 2023, in his 88th year. Frank was the loving husband and soulmate of Imelda (2021) for 61 years, with whom he is now reunited. He was a proud father to Lorna and Christina (David Murphy), and adoring Nonno to Anya, Ben, Isabella and Francesca.
Frank will be greatly missed by his siblings Ines Gazzola (late Romano), Gemma Baggio (late Bruno), Valeriano Porcellato (Valeria), and sister-in-law Luciana Maggiotto (Armando). He was predeceased by siblings and in-laws Achille Porcellato (late Onorina), Ida Michelin (late Nini), Bruno Porcellato (late Emma), Saverio Porcellato (late Irene) and Umberto Porcellato (late Meris), as well as the late Giuliana Gazzola. He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends.
Frank was born in Loria (Treviso, Veneto, Italy) to Irma and Angelo and immigrated to Guelph in 1954. Over the course of his life, Frank sought to educate himself by taking courses at night school. He built the home he has lived in for the past 62 years and had a 40-year career as an industrial pump technician (ITT AC Pump Canada formerly Allis Chalmers) that took him all over the world.
Frank will be remembered as a quiet, generous, resilient and hardworking man. Frank was a talented handyman, he had a passion for electronics, he loved opera, his motorcycle, diesel-powered cars, his vegetable garden, good food, travel, sunshine, and spending time with his family. Frank defied stereotypes and after retirement, took over domestic duties to support Imelda’s work as a champion for the Italian-Canadian community. He was so proud of her, a tower of strength behind the scenes and her constant companion at all functions. Imelda always said that Frank was “the wind beneath her wings.”
Despite his increasingly failing health over the past decade, Frank continued to maintain his strong faith, and found joy in his grandchildren, visits with Imelda at St. Joseph’s, Sunday morning coffee with his siblings at his sister Ines’ house and his daily Tim Horton’s Dark Roast.
We are grateful for the kindness, and dedication of the countless health care providers who cared for Frank and made it possible for him to stay at home. A special thank you to Hushim, Martina, and George. We will never forget the incredible compassion and support of the team at Hospice Wellington who cared for Dad and our family during his final days.
Resting at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N., Guelph, where the family will receive their family and friends on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John’s Church, 45 Victoria Rd., N, Guelph on Monday August 28, 2023 at 10 a.m. Interment in Marymount Cemetery Guelph. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Hospice Wellington and St. John’s Catholic Church Guelph would be gratefully appreciated by the family. Donation cards are available at the funeral home 519-822-4731 or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com