Francesco Sonsini

Passed away peacefully at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on Sunday October 22, 2023; age 97.

Beloved husband of the late Chiarina Marinelli (2011) and loving father of Lewis (Carole) and Mary (Gary). Proud nonno of Stefano (Christine), Daniele (Sara), Nicola (Blythe), Michael (Jessica) and Carina. Cherished bisnonno of Abigail, Lorenzo, Ronin, Franklin, Luciano, Rachel and Finn.

Predeceased by his parents the late Luigi Sonsini and Maria Conti and sisters Carmela Pettinella (late Alberto), Isolina Nizman (late John) and Elena Pettinella (Antonio). Survived by his sisters Filomena Francischelli (late Manfredo), Rosina Ruffini (late Pietro), Matilde Ippoliti (Gabriele), and Giuseppina/Josie Frappier (John).

Frank was born in Musellaro, Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1953 to start a new life with his wife, Chiarina, of 58 years in Cornwall, Ontario. Frank was a hard-working, humble man with a great sense of humour. He took great pride in his simple life while enjoying his wife’s amazing Italian cooking, the many social gatherings at home with family and friends, filled with laughter, playing cards, singing and dancing while proudly sharing his homemade wine, sausages, prosciutto, porchetta and the harvest of his garden and fruit trees. He took great pride in his meticulous garden and enjoyed being outdoors. He loved to tell stories of his youth and those who knew him understood his struggles in his early years and were part of his success and happiness in his later years. His passion for life was felt by all who knew him.

We will miss you papà.

Our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff of the 5th floor (a), Civic hospital for their care and support.

Many thanks to the staff of Villa Marconi, who provided care for our father since March, 2019.

Friends may pay respects at the McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, ON K1V1A6 (613-737-7900) on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, October 27, 2023 after 9 a.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 10 a.m. Reception to follow the Chapel Service at the Funeral Home. Private Family Entombment at Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEvoy-Shields.com for the Sonsini family.