Francesco "Frank" Dattolo

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear father and Nonno, Francesco “Frank” Dattolo, of Vernon, British Columbia. Frank passed away peacefully in his sleep, with family holding his hand in prayer, on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Frank was born and raised in Santo Stefano Del Sole, Italy. It was in a neighboring town he met his love and life partner, Ersilia Dattolo (nee De Mattia). In 1960, Frank immigrated to Canada, with seven dollars in his pocket and with dreams of a better life. He secured his first job as caretaker of a Villa in Robson, B.C., and a year later, he saved enough money for his wife to join him. Frank and Ersilia settled in Trail, B.C., built a beautiful home, and raised three daughters they were immensely proud of.

Frank worked hard to support his family so they could have the opportunities he never had. For thirty-eight years, he worked at Teck Cominco as an Operator and Supervisor in the lead and zinc smelter. On the side, Frank would renovate and flip houses. Largely self-taught, no project was too big or too daunting to tackle. Later in life, Frank used these skills to help his daughters with their own home renovations, showing up with a tool belt in hand.

Frank was always happiest outdoors, tinkering on projects or tending to his garden. He took great pride growing amazing fruits and vegetables and he often won civic awards for the beauty of his yard. He received club prizes for making excellent wine. Frank also enjoyed hunting, fishing, picnicking, and camping with family and friends.

In 2018, Frank and Ersilia moved to Vernon, B.C. to be closer to family. In these later years, Frank enjoyed family outings, trips to Las Vegas, family dinners, and spending time with his grandchildren. Frank loved people and he cherished conversations with family, friends, and acquaintances.

Frank will forever be in our hearts. He will be eternally remembered by his three daughters, Gianna (Robin) Holmes, Lina (Sean) Worth, Marina (Steve) Brandner, and his grandchildren, Brandon, Jared, Nathan, Curtis, Nicholas, and Julia.

In Canada, he leaves his brother Carmine Dattolo and nephews and nieces, Fred (Cathy), Carlo, Gino, Irene, Sandy, and their families. Frank is also mourned by his family in Italy, including the De Mattia family and sister-in-law Gina De Sanctis; nieces and nephews, Mauro, Stefania, Simonetta, Lorenza, Gianna and their families.

Frank was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Ersilia Dattolo, his parents Federico Dattolo and Irene Cutillo, and his siblings, Vittorio Dattolo and Michele (Anna) Dattolo, Ada Dattolo (sister-in-law), Luigia (Michele) Dattolo and Antonetta (Americo) Dattolo, all of whom he will be reunited with in heaven.

A mass of Catholic burial will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Vernon, B.C. on February 11, 2025, at 10:00am, Father Peter Nguyen presiding. A reception will be held at the church immediately following the service. Entombment at the Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kelowna, B.C. will follow the reception. Jessica Baycroft of the Pleasant Valley Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.