Obituary of Francesco (Frank) Tote

TOTE, Francesco (Frank) - April 24, 1939 – January 22, 2013.  After a very courageous battle with cancer, our brave Hero passed away peacefully surrounded by his entire family at St. Joseph’s Hospice at the age of 73.  He was an amazing Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather and suddenly our world stands still.  Frank was the loving husband and best friend of Maria for 51 years.  Unforgettable father to Dora (Vince) Ferrera of Windsor, Dino (Julie) Tote of Michigan, Diana (Fab) Iaccino of Sarnia.  Special Nonno to Stefanie (Doug) Cazzola, Marco (Emma) Ferrera, Victoria, Kristina and Joseph Iaccino, Gabriella and Frankie Tote and incredible Bis-Nonno to Carson Cazzola.  Predeceased by his parents Giovanna and Mario Tote, father-in-law Lorenzo Viscogliosi (Italy) and sister-in-law Iole Tote.  Frank will be missed by his siblings Lily (Joe) Ferrera, Angela (John) DiScanno, Peter Tote, Teresa (Ascenzo) Caschera all of Sarnia.  He will also be missed by his mother-in-law Amata Viscogliosi of Italy, sisters-in-law Lucy (Nick) Panaccione of Windsor, Angela (Mario) Polsinelli and Giuseppina (Pio) Viscogliosi of Italy.  He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Born in Fontechiari, Italy, Frank came to Canada with his parents and siblings in the early 50’s, returning to Italy in 1961 to marry his beautiful wife Maria before settling back in Sarnia to start his family.  He took on many part time jobs to support his family and a short while later started his career as a dedicated floor installer for Custom Floors for 38 years.  Frank was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and spending time with his buddies and always looked forward to annual trips and get togethers.  He was a very proud committee member with the San Rocco Festival for 40 years.  His devotion to this event was second to none.  He was a long time member of the Dante Club and the Italian Pensioners Club. Thank you to the incredible nurses, volunteers, caregivers and doctors at Bluewater Health and the London Health Sciences Cancer Center, and to the volunteer drivers at the Canadian Cancer Society.  A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Dostaler for her compassionate care, you were his Angel.  A very special thank you to the nurses and caregivers from CCAC, VON, and Bayshore and especially to Matt for taking such wonderful care of our Hero every week.  To the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice, thank you for caring for our beloved during his final days. Gone dear father, gone to rest Away from sorrow, care and pain May you rest in peace, dear father Until we meet again. Visitation will be held at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where prayers will be offered at 8:30  p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Peter Keller at St. Michael’s Church (Bright’s Grove) on Friday, January 25, 2013 at 11 a.m.  Entombment Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 714 Lite St., Pt. Edward, ON  N7V 1A6 or St. Joseph’s Hospice,  475 N. Christina Street, Sarnia, ON  N7T 5W3.  Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of Frank Tote in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area