DeLEO, Franco - (1946 - 2021) -
On Monday May 10th, 2021, before the new day’s dawn broke, Franco DeLeo, beloved husband, father, nonno, and brother lost his fight to cancer. Though his body was frail and tired, his mind and spirit were as sharp (and stubborn!) as always.
Franco was born in 1946 in Siderno Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy. Though he immigrated to Canada in 1959 with his parents and siblings, Franco always kept his “old school” mentality. The most important aspects in life to him were respect and family.
He continually showed this throughout his youth. From getting into fights at school (with brother Tony as his sidekick) when a fellow classmate disrespected him, to trying to help make money for the family by working at the Jewish Market, or knocking on doors and shovelling driveways in the winter; it was always for respect and family. Franco was considered “the fixer” and would do anything to help/support his siblings (Domenico, Giuseppe, Antonio, Rita, Anna, and Mario), and his many cousins.
Eventually, Franco met his beautiful wife Maria at the Cafe Diplomatico (his “second home”). They married in 1978 and welcomed two amazing daughters (Lisa and Sabrina) in the coming years. As much as Franco may have joked that he wanted sons, everyone knew his daughters were his absolute pride and joy. There was rarely a story he shared that didn’t include “a Lisa mia” or “a piccirilla”. Though fiercely protective of his daughters, he opened up his home to his sons in law, Saverio and Nick. From that point forward, weekly family dinners became tradition.
Franco was at his happiest knowing his girls were settled, but nothing could contain his elation when he found out he was going to be a nonno. Everything he did became about Nicholas and Gia. Showering them with gifts, affection, silly stories, and numerous FaceTime calls a day; his grandchildren were always the first thing on his mind.
It is a comfort to know that Franco spent his last couple of days surrounded by his family. Knowing his family was whole, Franco succumbed to his fight and found peace, while his ever supportive wife was by his side.
Although he is physically no longer present, his spirit will linger among us and we will remember him; whether it be through impersonations of his deep baritone voice (“shaddup ‘stoop”), the strum of a guitar, a game of briscola, the scent of cigars, or maintaining his fig tree and garden.
We know Franco is at peace now, and it is now our turn to go live life to the fullest and to keep his legacy alive.
Arrangements are entrusted with Jerrett funeral home, St. Clair chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Prostate Cancer Canada or The Princess Margaret Hospital.
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