Domenico Franzone

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of an extraordinary man who left us with a legacy of beautiful memories. Domenico Franzone passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving daughters on Saturday, April 15th at the age of 98. He is reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife Annunziata after 40 years (deceased 1983). He is the loving Father of Giovanna (Giuseppe) and Rosa (George). The cherished Nonno of Cathy (John), Anthony, Marissa, and Jacqueline. Adored Bisnonno of Juliana and Daniel.

Domenico was born on January 2, 1925 in Stefanaconi, Vibo Valentia, Calabria, Italy. As a young man he learned the art of milling and operated his family’s milling business. In December 1965, Domenico along with his family left Italy to begin a new life in Canada. After a harrowing trip across the ocean on the TSS Olympia he landed in Halifax. He arrived in Toronto shortly thereafter where his Canadian experience began. He went to school to learn English and worked most of his life as a machine operator at Neilson’s Chocolate Factory until he retired at the age of 65.

Domenico led a simple life marking each day with his love of his family and faith. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family. Whether it was sharing a meal, baking, making pizza, playing scopa, going on picnics or telling stories, Domenico cherished each moment spent with those he loved.

In Italy he taught himself how to play the guitar because of his love for music. He enjoyed listening to his folk songs whether it was on the radio, live, or on the computer. At the age of 85, he was gifted a computer and quickly developed an expertise that few 85-year-olds could ever manage and never looked back. He was always curious and had a great love of learning.

Domenico was many things – a miller, a gardener, an entrepreneur, a musician, a baker, a cook, and an avid reader. But to us, he was our adored Papá and Nonno. We will always be so proud of his accomplishments and eternally thankful for the wonderful example he set for us.

He was a man of honour and quiet courage whose generosity touched the lives of many. His wit and strong sense of humour provided much laughter. His commitment, work ethic, independence, resourcefulness and resilience helped him to successfully raise his family, through difficult times. Although he endured many hardships throughout his life, his faith remained steadfast. He would often spend quiet hours in prayer reading from his cherished copy of the Bible, reciting the rosary and watching daily mass on the computer when he was no longer able to go to church. It was his faith that gave him strength as he struggled with illness the last several months of his life.

Domenico led a life filled with gratitude, courage, kindness, generosity and above all love. We were blessed with his presence in our lives for many years. He will be cherished forever in our hearts, deeply missed and forever loved.

Family and friends may visit at the Jerrett Funeral Home, 1141 St. Clair Ave. W. (1 block east of Dufferin) on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 2-4pm & 6-9pm.

The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 11am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 72 Mansfield Ave. (On the morning of the service, we would ask all friends make your way directly to the church. Arriving 15 minutes prior to the service, to locate parking on the surrounding side streets. This will allow the family some private time prior to the service.)

Entombment to follow at Forest Lawn Mausoleum, 4570 Yonge St. Toronto.

If desired, the family have requested donations in Memory of Domenico Franzone be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation.