Francesco Lucarelli

Survived by his dedicated wife of 62 years, Teresa, sons, Gino (Margot) and Franco (Marina),

grandchildren, Alessia, Matteo and Chiara, and extended family here in Canada, in California and in

Italy.

Francesco was born in Bitritto, Bari, Italy to parents Luigi and Rosaria. He grew up with his brother and

three sisters.

In 1960, he immigrated to Vancouver with his young family. In 1974, they moved to Burnaby where he

built the family home. He lived there until his final days.

Honour, duty, decency, dignity, respect, and hard work: these are all qualities that he held in high

esteem, practised every day, and expected from others.

He spent most of his lifetime working as a stonemason and marble-setter, the trade he learned working

alongside his father, from the age of 13.

Through his work, he left his mark in this province, from the parliament buildings in Victoria, to the

clock tower at UBC, including the Vancouver Hotel, the Seawall, multiple homes in the British

Properties, and much more.

He was a family man; his wife, children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews were precious to him.

He treasured us, and we him. He enjoyed large family gatherings, picnics, “feste”, social events and

times spent on The Drive at his favourite coffee bar playing cards with “paesani”.

As long as there was good company and good food, there would be good times. He could never resist

the opportunity to tell a good joke, “una barzelletta”. He was most often the centre of attention, the

ringmaster, the entertainer.

He loved sports. He maintained his Italian passion for soccer and followed it his entire life. After

moving to Canada, he quickly became an ice hockey fan, as well. Though he was a loyal Canucks’ fan,

his number one team was always the Montreal Canadiens.

Francesco and Teresa enjoyed travelling and have many fond memories from their cruises, and many

trips throughout the years.

Seeing his grandchildren grow up is something he cherished. They were his pride and joy.

Though we are grateful for all the time we had with him, and will treasure all of the memories, it is hard

to imagine life without the patriarch of our family.

Ci manchi, sarai sempre nei nostri cuori. Grazie di tutto, Papà.

Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.