Domenico (Don) Frena

Dear father of Maria Rosenkranz and Michael (Tracey) Frena. Nonno to Eric (Megan), Nicole (Jay), Kara (Michal), Alex Rosenkranz, and Michael, Rachel and Josh Frena. Bis-Nonno to Emmett and Rowan Rosenkranz, Lilah and Lainey Grochowiecki. Survived by sister Albina (Bernhard) Rusch (Germany) and sister-in-law Severina (Cortina). Dad will be reunited with his son Frankie, his brother Giovanni (Cortina), sister Lucia, brother-in-law Gino (Alleghe).

Don will be lovingly remembered by family and friends in Italy, Germany and Canada.

He was born January 28, 1931 in the house of Costalta (c.1200s) in a small town in the Dolomites, Colle Santa Lucia. He learned the trade of shoemaking in Italy then worked in Germany at the Bosch factory before immigrating to Canada in 1962. He settled in Niagara-on-the-Lake and worked for George Hinterhoeller Boats which became C&C Yachts. Dad was a devout Catholic making St. Vincent de Paul his first church then was a member at St. Thomas More. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and travelled with them to the Holy Land. He was a dedicated, 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus where he spent many hours volunteering and bartending at the Club. After retirement he was a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society. Dad will be remembered for his hard work, his Italian garden, his carpentry and fix-it skills and his dedication to his church.

Rest in Peace Dad.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff who cared for Dad at Evantide and the amazing staff at the Niagara Falls General Hospital, Emergency ward and Palliative care who were so kind and compassionate in his last days.

Visitation will take place at Patterson Funeral Home Ltd., 6062 Main St., Niagara Falls, on May 13, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, 73 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, on May 14, 2026, at 11:00 am. A Committal Service will follow at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery

Donations can be made to Ronald McDonald house.