CICCIARELLA, Francesco 'Franco' - Passed away peacefully at the Belleville General Hospital, on Saturday, October 23, 2021 surrounded by his family at the age of 76 years.
Franco was born in Pachino, Sicily on March 26, 1945. He was the son of the late Salvatore and Enricetta Cicciarella. Growing up between Pachino and its “fertile countryside” of campania, my father spent his adolescent years growing fruits and vegetables helping the family survive the post war era.
In 1967, after he perfected his skills as a carpenter, he immigrated with his eldest brother Corrado to Toronto, Canada where he established his general contracting profession.
He married his love Josephine Ruscica in 1973. They built their wonderfully rich lives in a small town in Prince Edward County where he developed his passion for the outdoors spending his time fishing, hunting, and gardening. He had an exceptional ability to grow things - growing plants, fruits, and vegetables from their seedlings, spending time and showing off his fig trees bearing beautiful fruit.
He was a man of many passions and talents, but above all else, he dedicated his life to his family, notably caring for his mother-in-law Carmela for many years. His greatest joy came from being a devoted and loving grandfather to Jett.
Franco was known for his generosity of spirit, quiet strength, and stoic demeanor. He was a man of principle, selfless and modest to the very end.
He is predeceased by his parents, mother and father-in-law, sister Angelina and, brother Sebastiano. Left to mourn the loss of this great and kind man are his loving and devoted wife Josephine, son Salvatore (Victoria), daughter Enrica (Scott), and grandson Jett. He will be dearly missed by his brothers, sisters, cousins and many extended family and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the professional and dedicated staff at the Belleville General Hospital for the compassionate care that Franco received. Heartfelt thanks to family, friends, and neighbours for your continuous love and support.
A private family service will take place.
As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
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