Francesco "Frank" Fiorentino

Frank was predeceased by his parents Carmelina and Antonio Fiorentino, his mother-in-law and father in-law Maria and Donato Graziano, and his daughter, Franca Kiz.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Josephine; his children Tony and Elisa (Mark), son-in-law Robert Kiz and his grandchildren Amanda (Leith), Dylan, Frank, Adriana, Evan, Austin, Ethan and Adam, and his great grandchildren Finlay, Halldor, Winfield and Ellis.

Through the years as his family grew Frank would burst with pride and comment how he was rich in family. Frank had many professional accomplishments through his lifetime, but he would say his greatest accomplishment was his family. He instilled in them all the importance of family and how supporting and loving each other would get them through any challenges life might bring.

Frank faced many challenges from a very young age. He was born in Amato, Italy in 1936 and emigrated to Canada after World War 2 in 1949 at the age of 13. As most Italians coming to Canada to find work, his family arrived with little more than a few belongings. His family’s early days in Canada were not easy, their focus being merely to survive in this strange new world. Frank would often tell stories about those early days and how his family relied on the kindness of their extended family and friends to house and support them through those first years until they became self-sufficient.

Frank was instrumental in helping his family establish their lives here in Canada. He worked a variety of jobs while going through school to help support his family. Frank graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and with the encouragement of some very influential teachers, he went on to be the first member of his family to attend university. He graduated from Education at the University of Manitoba and went on to complete a Master’s degree. He spent most of his professional career working in the then Transcona Springfield School Division, first as a teacher at Transcona Collegiate, then principle at Murdoch MacKay, Assistant Superintendent and finally Superintendent of Schools. Frank always had a story to share and fond memories of those years he worked as an educator and the people that he met along the way.

Frank had many interests outside of the classroom. He played many sports throughout high school, such as football and soccer. But he was really a musician at heart. He played mainly wind instruments, his preferred instrument being the clarinet. He played in a band for many years and would travel to small towns around Manitoba on the weekends to play at various venues, until the desire for him to spend more time with his young family pulled him away from the constant travelling.

After his retirement, Frank became very involved in the Italian community and eventually accepted the role as the Vice Consul for the Italian government in Winnipeg. Frank was very proud to serve his community in this capacity, and to be able to represent his birth nation. He made many close friends in the community as a result of the time he spent in this role, friends that he remained very close with through his later years.

Frank also enjoyed having more time to travel with Josie in retirement. They spent many winters away in Mexico and Hawaii with their close friends, and even a few trips back to Amato to visit family. Frank would always come back with new stories of their adventures and many laughs shared together with those people that he loved.

As the years went by, Frank took immense pleasure watching his family grow as grandchildren and then great grandchildren came along. Nonno, as he was called, was a big part of each of his grandchildren’s lives. He was their biggest supporter and confidant. Nonno was fiercely proud of all of his children and grandchildren, and showered them all with endless love and support, and they in kind adored him as well. They all knew that Nonno was there for them whenever they needed him for advice, for a listening ear, to laugh or to cry. Nonno had a silly sense of humor that would make all of us chuckle, even on some of our darkest days.

After several years in the making, Frank completed and published a book, a memoir of his life at the age of 89. Not only is it a legacy to leave his family, it was a labor of love. As a result of this book, he reconnected with colleagues, students, family and friends, some which he had not been in contact with in several years. Frank always enjoyed talking and spending time with people in general, but this project in particular gave him such joy in his final years as he relived all of his fondest memories from his youth.

In his last year Frank was unfortunately faced with a terminal diagnosis which he fought with courage and grace. He shared his reflections openly with his family and friends. He was happy with his life and all he had accomplished. Other than suffering the loss of one of his children, he felt that he had lived a wonderful life. Frank lived life with tenacity, integrity, kindness, grace, dignity and love. He was truly a loving person, and undeniably lovable. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Rosary Parish, 510 River Ave on Saturday November 7th at 11:00 with condolences at 10:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.