Our hearts are broken as we say goodbye to our rock. On Sunday, June 1, 2025 Franco passed away suddenly and peacefully. He shared a lifetime with his soulmate, Maria, and in their life together they welcomed their three beautiful girls, Catrina (Paul), Olivia (Liam), and Daniella (Lucas), and recently, his Bella di Nonno, Olive. All that knew Franco, knew that his girls were the centre of his universe. He shared something unique and special with each of them. If you had to measure someone’s success through their wife and children, Franco would be amongst the best.
Franco has been reunited with his father and best friend, Silvio, and is survived by his strong mother Anna and adoring brother Giacomo and sister-in-law Paola. Beloved son-in-law of Italo and Lena Giardino. He was cherished by his sisters-and brothers-in-law Anita, Nick, Claudio, and Valerie. The family grew even bigger to include his nieces and nephews, Brianna (Matt), Nicolas, Joshua, Alexandra (Adam), Noah, Francesca, and his great nephew Bowyn.
Franco was profoundly connected to his heritage and relatives in Italy including his cugina, Liberata (Giuseppe) and their children Stefano and Michela (Alfio), as well as many other zias, zios and cousins.
There are so many ways to describe who Franco was, but the most common draw to him was his ability to make everyone feel taken care of. He was able to do this by balancing the true joys in his life. The most important of all, bringing his family together. From the countless pizza parties, barbecues, charcuteries, and fish fries, Franco always made sure no one left hungry or thirsty, especially his three furry friends, Lilly, Lyla and Aldo. Parties were always complimented by bocci, washer toss, bad dad jokes, and music for all the neighbours to enjoy. He loved his weekly outings on the golf course with his buddies, and usually returned to the 18th hole, less a dozen balls. When not on the course, Franco could be found hitching the trailer, fishing off the dock or cruising on his pontoon boat. When the pizza oven cooled and the docks came in, he was on a plane to indulge in different cultures and show his family the world.
These personal joys translated into his career. For most people, they knew Franco through the art of architecture and his magnificent presence in the community. His philosophy was to create safe, healthy and happy spaces for the community and advocate for a built environment that everyone could be proud of. He instilled these same values in the company that he helped build, and the team that he thoughtfully mentored, who will continue to embody his passion and carry on his vision.
Franco’s proudest accomplishment of all, was the oasis he created for his family, our home where everyone was welcome and no one wanted to leave. From your girls, we promise to care deeply for the paradise you created for us and will continue to make you proud. Stay strong and stati forte.
Friends and family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Precious Blood Cathedral on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Hamish Currie officiating. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. A Celebration of Life will follow in the Precious Blood Journey Hall. Memorial donations to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com.