GianFranco "Frank" Pietro Carrer

It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of our dearest Frank who left us on April 5th, 2026 at the age of 83 after a brave and courageous 11-week battle at St. Joseph’s Hamilton and Guelph General hospital. He simply refused to quit, as he “wanted to go home” until his final days.

A beloved husband of 60 years will be sadly missed by his wife Lucy. As a dedicated Father, he will be also missed by his children, Laurie (Pino) Cherubino, Sandi (John) Robinson, and Richard (Lisa) Carrer. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Victoria (Louis) Neofotistos, Nicholas McEachern, Alexa and Isabella Popp, Lucy Carrer, Kiarra, Grace and Mya Robinson, Bruno, Vencenzo and Daniele Cherubino. Great grandchild Valensia Neofotistos whom he recently had the opportunity to meet, her special visit lit up the room.

Frank was a loving husband, father, and father-in-law, brother (survived by Dario Carrer of Guelph) and brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather (Nonno), great-grandfather (Bisnonno) and loyal friend.

Having experienced the loss of both his parents at a very young age, Frank grew up with resilience and determination that would define the rest of his life. He immigrated to Canada via “Saturnia” ship, arriving at the famous Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia on February 17, 1962 with one suitcase in hand. Sponsored by his late sister (Perina) and brother-in-law (Rino Binotto) at the young age of 18, already a skilled auto mechanic.

Frank was a devoted family man, a hardworking entrepreneur and a man of quiet strength shaped by life’s early challenges.

Proud of his Italian heritage, Frank was an avid fan of Formula 1 (always cherishing the Montreal F1 trips) and had a great love for music. This fervor was felt when Frank sang and danced with tremendous enthusiasm at weddings, Christmas dinners or in his home to some of his most favourite songs, such as Felicita, Gloria, and Fernando – just to name a few. He enjoyed playing bocce for many years, embracing both the competition and the camaraderie that came with it.

The collection of bocce trophies amassed over the years stand proudly on the shelves in his “man cave,” and they are a testament not only to his skill but his competitive spirit. He was a dedicated ICC (Italian Canadian Club) 50 year member, cherishing his unannounced visits with “Jimmy” in the kitchen and enjoyed conversations spoken in his native language.

Frank found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. Quiet moments sitting on his porch sharing a glass of wine while reading the paper, tending to his tomato garden, playing with his beloved little dog Lupo, and spending quality time with his loved ones.

Frank always looked forward to family gatherings, sharing good food, laughter, and conversation. He was at his happiest when his family was all together. He instilled these traditions and will be his family’s legacy going forward.

In 1980, with the help of his dear friend, the late Joseph Holody, his dream came true. He became the proud owner of a successful garage, Franks Service Center, for over 30 years. Frank earned the respect of his community and created many lifelong friendships. There were many memorable BBQ’s on Saturdays had by friends in the back of “the shop.”

Frank had a passion for hockey which he also shared and instilled in his son Richard. He had the great honour and opportunity to be associated with the Guelph Platers Jr. hockey clubs sitting on the Board of Directors for many years. Frank was proud of his championship rings, both Provincial and National, especially the 1986 Memorial Cup. When asked about them, he smiled from ear to ear and was most delighted to relive some of the greatest events of his life. During this time, he formed the closest circle of long-lasting friends and they were named “The Brandy Boys.”

Frank will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and his lively personality; those who knew him best would see him go from 0-100 in an instance.

He valued time with his family, “number one,” as he would say, and his steady presence and his warm uncanny sense of humour will be deeply missed. This was seen even in his last moments sharing a glass of wine and requesting a family photo.

Funeral will be held on Friday April 10th 2026 at Gilbert Macintyre & Son Funeral Home Hart Chapel, with visitation 10AM – 12PM followed by a Funeral Service in the chapel and entombment at Marymount Cemetery. A Celebration of life will be held with a lunch reception at the Italian Canadian Club. Family and friends are invited to gather, remember, and celebrate Franks life as per his wishes.

A special thank you goes out to the dedicated and tirelessly working team of doctors and ICU nurses, in particular Dr. Bansal from St. Josephs, Hamilton, as well as Dr. Raso and Dr. Ganapathy from Guelph General Hospital.

In lieu of flowers you can make donations to the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital (ICU Department).

Riposa in pace Frank. Sarai sempre nei nostri cuori. Ti vogliamo bene.