PUNZO, Francesco "Frank" Punzo -
AUGUST 9, 1936 – OCTOBER 27, 2023
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Francesco “Frank” Punzo suddenly on October 27th, 2023, at Centenary Hospital at the age of 87 years, surrounded by his devastated family.
Frank Punzo was a strong courageous young immigrant who at the young age of 17, left his birthplace of Pachino, Sicily to make a new life for himself in Canada.
Arriving on an Italian ocean liner at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1956, he worked tirelessly to make his dreams of a family and success come true. His new life in Toronto was not easy, having to sleep on the floor and share an apartment with three other friends while working as a welder and construction worker.
Through hard work, dedication, and his generous nature, he not only got himself off that floor but financially supported his parents in Italy to immigrate to Canada, even buying them a house.
That was only the beginning of the many beautiful homes he would go on to own during his lifetime. Little did he know that the house next to his parents held the girl of his dreams that would steal his heart forever.
Just like a romance novel, our father Frank Punzo fell in love with the girl next door named Angela Fazio. He was smitten with her beauty, strength, and intelligence that would keep him chasing after her till she said “yes” and married on July 27th, 1963.
Ambitious and steadfast in fulfilling his and now their dreams, Frank started studying every night after work in the garage under a lightbulb (because it was too noisy in the house with the kids), to obtain his real estate license. Not only did he accomplish this goal, but he went on to a have successful 35-year real estate career.
This success brought him to his ultimate dream, their second home – a custom-built 7, 500 sq. ft. mansion in the countryside of Stouffville.
There were many happy memories, milestones, love, and laughter that filled that home until they moved to be close to their first granddaughter. That brings house number three in Whitby where they celebrated the birth of three more grandchildren and helped raise them into wonderful young adults.
Frank Punzo had many nicknames, most commonly known as “Chicho” amongst his many friends and family, or as the “godfather” affectionately nicknamed by our friends with his sharp suits, coiffed hair, extravagant jewelry and always sporting a Cadillac (our father’s car of choice).
His favourite name of all though was Nonno. He lived for his grandchildren, taking all of them daily to the park when they were little, or walking them to the mailbox to watch the cars go by. His grandchildren adored him and will forever cherish their many memories with their “cute Nonno”.
During their 58.5 years together, separated only by the loss of his beloved, they enjoyed many memorable trips together. Frank embarked on a trip to pursue business opportunities in Paris, France, and although our mother did not accompany him on that one, they did enjoy a Caribbean cruise on the Princess Cruise line, also known as the “love boat” for their 30th wedding anniversary, family vacations in South Carolina, Niagara Falls, and the Blue Mountains.
These trips brought so much joy to Frank as he was surrounded by the people he loved and cherished more than anything in the world – “la famiglia.” Known for his generosity, helpful nature, wise advice, and loyalty, combined with his mischievous sense of humor, everybody wanted to know him, and nobody ever forgot him.
Frank Punzo paved the journey of success for many people in his life, most especially his family. We will always love, respect, and cherish the great man he was, the journey he traveled, and the kind soul he will be in heaven, hand in hand with his love, Angela.
Frank is predeceased by his wonderful wife Angela, his Father Emmanuel Punzo, and his mother Raffaela Punzo. He is survived by their three children, son Emmanual Punzo (Amy), daughter Mirella Punzo, and daughter Anna-Maria Cluff (David), four grandchildren: Angelica Punzo, Francesco Punzo, Marisa Cluff, and Noah Cluff, mother-in-law Maria Fazio, sister-in-law Palma Cellemare (Nick); as well several extended family members including brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.
If Tears Could Build A Stairway And Memories A Lane, I’d walk Right Up To Heaven And Bring You Home Again.
Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Thursday, November 2nd, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held the following day on Friday, November 3rd, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 91 Ribblesdale Dr, Whitby at 10:30 a.m.
Memorial Donations can be made in his honour to Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/ .
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at oshawafuneralservices.com for the Punzo family.
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