Francesco Ferlaino

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Father, Grandfather and Husband, Francesco (Frank) Ferlaino, on November 8, 2021 at the age of 72, in Winnipeg with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with Cancer.

Frank leaves to mourn his wife of 40 years Enrichetta Sacco, children; Caterina (Jason), Vincenzo (Jennifer), Antonio (Valentina), his precious grand-children; Roman and Athena, his mother; Caterina Mendicino, brothers; Antonio Ferlaino (Domenica), Michele Ferlaino (Tina), sisters; Chiara Aiello, Domenica Pellegrino (Gennaro), Giovanna Fiorillo (Antonio), Marisa Berardelli (Umberto), father-in-law; Giuseppe Sacco, brothers-in law; Tony Sacco, Joey Sacco (Sandra), sisters-in-law; Inessa Bonneteau (Danny), Alba Pinder (Ken) and numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored and loved like his own children.

Frank is predeceased by his Father Vincenzo Ferlaino, Mother-in-law Domenica Sacco, Brothers-in-law Tomaso Aiello, Felice Sacco, and Sister-in-law Peggy Sacco.

Mass of Resurrection will be held on Friday, November 19th at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Ave. Reverend Father Sam Argenziano officiating. This will be a private funeral service. Those wishing to join the service virtually can do so using the following link https://youtu.be/iRvIA4-_xwc. Entombment will follow at the Garden of the Apostles, Green Acres Cemetery, Hwy. #1 East at, Navin Road.

Pallbearers will be Antonio Pellegrino, Domenico Pellegrino, Gennaro Pellegrino, Joey Sacco, Tony Sacco, Danny Bonneteau, Battista Sacco, Agostino Fiorentino and honorary pallbearer Roman Varga Ferlaino.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frank can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, the Holy Rosary Church or to a charity of your choice.

Papà was born on July 5, 1949 in San Mango d’Aquino, Catanzaro, Italy to Caterina and Vincenzo Ferlaino, and was the second eldest of seven children. Papà and his siblings were raised during a difficult time living and working off their family land and farm and away from home in northern parts of the country. Although it was a tough life and while they did not have much in a material sense they had everything; each other. Papà and his siblings always reminisced and shared the beautiful memories made together, with their parents, extended family and friends at the Spulitriattu (our family’s farm) and in their hometown. At the age of 18, dad served one year in the Italian Military and went on to take electrical certificate program in Italy. Papà worked and travelled throughout northern Italy, and Europe.

In 1978, at the age of 29, Papà immigrated to Canada to live with his sister Chiara, her late husband Tomaso and their children in Toronto. Papà attended George Brown College where he learned English and worked at Mid-West Packaging and Village by the Grange.

In 1980, dad visited his sister Domenica in Winnipeg and while reuniting with family and dear friends who had immigrated from San Mango, Papà met the love of his life Enrichetta (Mamma), and moved to Winnipeg to begin his life with her. Six months later, they were married, bought their first home together and went on to have three children Caterina (Cathy), Vincenzo (Vinny) and Antonio (Tony).

Papà was always a very hard worker and established his career in Winnipeg working for Tundra, Standard Knitting for 25 years where he worked his way to becoming Production Manager. Following the company’s closure, Papà worked for Frank Fair Industries up until his retirement in 2010.

Family was everything for Papà and he loved his family fiercely. Although his parents, and all of his brothers, sisters (except for Zia Domenica and her family) and extended family lived far away, Papà always made it a priority to make his daily and weekly calls to each of them, and for us he made it seem like they were right here with us and we grew up knowing each and everyone one of them. Papà would be on the phone for hours at a time, especially during the holiday season. Papà learned how to use Skype, Whatsapp and Facetime chat and was so happy to be able to video chat with all of his loved ones. Papà always had a special bond with each of his siblings, their spouses and nieces and nephews with Mamma’s parents, siblings and their spouses, and nieces and nephews and loved them like his very own.

We have special memories of our many trips to Toronto to visit family, our most recent trip to Italy five years ago, the many visits to Bonivital pool, Oasis Beach, Waverly Heights skating rink, Saints Roller Rink, the numerous soccer fields and tournaments in Montreal and Minneapolis, community events at the Casa d’Italia and the many socials, weddings, anniversary parties, new years eve parties and cultural and religions events with family and friends. Papà welcomed everyone into our home with open arms, always ready to put the espresso on, pour a glass of wine, share his sopressata and cheese and hosted fabulous dinners.

Papà had many friends all over the world and made friends everywhere he went. He was very sociable. He always stayed in close contact with them and they would visit whenever possible. Papà was the best neighbor and friend and will always be remembered for always providing a helping hand to them all with their gardens, cutting their grass, shoveling their driveways, and bringing in their garbage bins.

Papà had a certain wit about him; he had the best smile and the most unique laugh, always making jokes and putting a smile on everyone’s face. Papà also had a serious side to him and was always the first to give his loved ones, especially his children, nieces and nephews, advice and words of wisdom.

Papà was meticulous about everything he owned, from our family home to his vehicles and all of his prized possessions including his clothes, and kept everything orderly and in mint condition. Papà was very stylish, known for his great sense of fashion and of course, his great hair, in which he always maintained.

Papà’s passions and pass times included sunbathing and taking naps on his favorite chair in his yard on a nice hot day, his notorious vegetable garden and gorgeous flowerpots which were his happy place, making wine, Italian sausage, sopressata, capicollo, going mushroom picking, and watching soccer, all of which became a family affair. Papà took great pride in his beautiful garden and loved to share his harvest with family, friends and neighbors. In retirement dad took to learning new skills including laying tiles and bricks and creating garden beds for everyone who asked for his help. Papà also took up cooking delicious San Manghese and Italian dishes, baking bread and making traditional goodies including his famous Rispedde.

Papà and Mamma were fortunate enough to have celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary this past May and what a special day that was for us all. Papà would always recount the memories he had of his life with Mamma, and the fond memories of our childhood. In recent years Papà and Mamma took several winter vacations and very much enjoyed their trips to Cuba and Mexico with dear friends. Many beautiful memories were made and we have countless pictures of all the fun that was had.

Papà was a very nostalgic man. He always reminisced with family and friends about growing up in San Mango and his love for his Italian heritage, culture and traditions shined through all of the stories, sayings, teachings he passed on to all of us.

Papà was actively involved with Italian community with the Societa’ San Mango d’Aquino, and Folklorama with the Italian Pavilion for many years.

Papà was a proud soccer dad. He attended every game and tournament with his boys and was always cheering them and their teammates on and coaching them from the sidelines. Papà was always well versed in history, current affairs and politics. His daily routine include watching the news locally, nationally and internationally. Papà had strong perspectives, opinions and solutions for every issue and was always the topic of discussion with his daughter.

Papà was a very proud Nonno. He was overjoyed with the birth of his first grandson Roman and his granddaughter Athena (his bambolina) both of which put the biggest smile on his face and filled his heart with love and joy.

We would like to thank Dr. McKay, and the Gold Star Surgical team, Dr. Daeninck, Dr. Ogaranko, Shauna, Mel and everyone at CancerCare Manitoba, the numerous Doctors, nurses, and health care aids at St. Boniface Hospital, Health Sciences Center, Victoria General Hospital and the Grace Hospital, Homecare staff, and the Palliative care team for the incredible and compassionate care that you provided to Papà over the last year and a half. Thank you for all of the support you provided to our family. We are forever grateful to each and every one of you.

We would also like to extend our thanks and gratitude to all our family, friends and colleagues for all of the love, support and prayers we have received.

Papà, you were the greatest father, grandfather, husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, godfather, friend, neighbor and confident. You were the most generous, supportive, loving, kind, passionate, funny and stubborn man we knew. You were the hardest worker, even in retirement and always took good care of Mamma, us three and all of your family. You were always so well organized, timely and you had everything planned accordingly. You were the most respectful man and you always demonstrated that to everyone in your life, everyone you crossed paths with and taught us to how to be respectful in return. You always instilled in us the importance of education and always encouraged us to read and learn new things. You always taught us the importance of having a strong work ethic and taught us how to be independent.

We are so grateful that the good Lord was gracious to give us more time together, so that we could be at home together and so that we could celebrate important milestones. You were able to spend more time with your beloved wife, your precious grandson and meet and spend time with your beautiful granddaughter, walk your daughter down the aisle and witness the engagement of your youngest son. These are memories we will always hold close to our hearts. You were so strong in so many different ways and you gave us so much strength. You lived life on your terms and always did everything your way, up until your final days.

Pa, we are so proud of you and the man you were to each and every one of us and for all that you accomplished in life. You leave behind the greatest legacy, your family, your greatest pride and joy and all your dear friends, whom adore you and love you as much as you loved them. We could not have asked for better Father. You were truly the best Father, Father-in-law, Grandfather, Husband and role model. We thank you for all of the sacrifices you made for us, for your unconditional love and the support you always showed us, for always being there to encourage us and set us on the right path. You always made sure we had everything we needed to succeed in life and were our biggest cheerleader. We thank you for giving us the most beautiful life. You left us with incredibly beautiful memories that we will cherish forever.

Pa, words cannot express how much we love you. We are going to miss you so much, we miss you so much already, but we know you that you will always be here with us and that you will continue to guide us. We will continue to honour you and all of your wishes, by loving one another and being there for each other as you always taught us. Do not worry about Mamma, we will take good care of her, as you always did. We promise you that.

Pa, today we do not say good-bye, but rather farewell. We take comfort in knowing your pain, suffering has ended, and that you are reunited with all of our loved ones who passed on before you.

You will be forever in our hearts Ciccu, we love you forever and always. Riposa in Pace Caro Papa. Until we meet again.