Obituary of Francesco Brieda

BRIEDA, Francesco “Frank” October 29, 1934- August 27, 2020 Passed away peacefully into the loving arms of God in his home on August 27, 2020. Loving husband to Anna Maria (nee Gentili) for 58 years. Beloved father of Paul and wife Sandra (Baytaluk), Michael and wife Nicole (Krznaric), and Vicki and husband Paolo Collavino. Francesco was the proud Nonno of eight wonderful grandchildren; Steven, Christopher, Brynn, Max (2004), Mia, Macey, Lydia and Adriano. Predeceased by his father Giuseppe, mother Vittoria (Perin), father in-law Francesco Gentili and mother in-law Angela (De Biasio). He was the cherished brother of Luigi and late wife Carmella (Montello). Predeceased by his siblings Rosa and husband Federico Del Zotto, Maria and husband Ennio Netto and Domenico “Nico”. Dear brother in-law of Henry Gentili and wife Joan and the late Lucia Gentili. Survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and a lifetime of close friends in Canada, the United States and Italy. Frank was born in Vistorta di Sacile, Pordenone, Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1953 following his brother to Windsor, Ontario. He came to Canada as a skilled mason with a strong work ethic which helped him build a life for his family. He spent many hours as a new Canadian at the Mariotti restaurant on Wyandotte Street, where he fell in love with ice cream sundaes served with extra butterscotch by the future love of his life Anna Maria. As a mason, he left his mark on many homes and buildings around the city with his fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. In 1968 he joined Hiram Walker and Son’s Distillery and retired after 31 years of service. He enjoyed bowling with his friends and watching Spitfire and Red Wings hockey games. Frank was an active member and volunteer of the Giovanni Caboto Club for 48 years; helping them to support the local community. He was a simple man with a strong voice and big heart who loved to tell jokes and give candid advice... “You got my message?”. Frank was always willing to lend a hand to his children, family and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Pan and Dr. Ghafoor at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, the nurses, PSW’s and care coordinator from LHIN, St. Elizabeth Health Care, VON, and Paramed who helped to care for Frank with their dedication and compassion. Special thanks to Dr. Chevalier, Dr. Deklaj, Dr. Cheung and Dr. Pearce for their many years of care and to Fr. Greg Bonin for his spiritual guidance and support. Visitation at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Central Chapel) 1700 Tecumseh Road E, 519-253-7234 on Monday, August 31, 2020 from 2-4:30 and 7-9 p.m. A private family funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Most Precious Blood Church. Entombment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Italian Canadian HandiCapable Association or the Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation-CT Scan Fund. Links to these organizations can be found online on our website. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com