Frank Tropea

It is with great sorrow that the family of the late Frank Tropea announce his unexpected passing at the age of 69 years.

Frank was born in Rovito, Cosenza, Italy on February 15, 1948. At the age of 15, his family moved to Canada to be reunited with his father, who had already moved to Port Arthur in search of a better life. When he first moved to Canada, he found employment with B&B Stone and Barbini Masonry. Soon after, he worked for Bruno’s Contracting before finding employment at Can-Car, now known as Bombardier, where he worked for 27 years until his retirement in 2012. A man who was known to many for never staying idle, his retirement would be short lived as he looked for every opportunity to keep busy, finding part-time work with Mac Rail and Thunder Bay Paving. His work ethic was one of a kind; one in which his friends and colleagues admired him for. Saying that he was a strong and hardworking man would be an understatement when describing Frank.

Frank met the love of his life and his number one dance partner, Anna, in 1969 and were married on January 8, 1972. They soon welcomed two sons and together, spent their early years building a solid foundation for their family. As a sports enthusiast, he was actively involved in every sport his sons participated in. There were no prouder or louder parents in the stands than Frank and Anna.

The most important aspect of Frank’s life was his family; nothing else in life took precedence. His Italian roots would always remain close to his heart and he would ensure that his family would never forget where they came from. This included keeping up the tradition in carefully preparing the many Italian delicacies that were shared by so many and so proudly adopted by the next generation. Whether it was working on various projects or planting & harvesting a bountiful garden for all to enjoy, he was happiest when surrounded by his loving family. His love of camping, the outdoors and fishing is the backdrop to many wonderful stories and fond memories of which his family and friends will cherish forever.

Frank will be profoundly missed by Anna, his loving wife of 45 years; sons Vince and daughter-in-law Luigina; Frank and daughter-in-law Kailey. Feeling an incredible void in their lives will be Frank’s pride and joy, his four grandchildren Michayla, Olivia, Luka and Sidney. Frank also leaves behind his beloved mother Laurina, sister Anna and brother-in-law Italo Trombino (Rhode Island, USA), brother Nicola, sister-in-law Elena and brother-in-law Bruno Di Gregorio. Also left to mourn are his numerous nieces and nephews: Filomena Siner (Jeff), Stano Trombino (Erin), Dino Trombino (Allison), and Anita Trombino, all of the U.S; Lori Cassano (Tony), Diana Whipple (Shawn), Susie Ruberto (Tony), Nick Tropea (Lisa) and Lisa Tropea; Agnes Di Gregorio (Doug Diebel) and Maria Ianni (Michael). He will be dearly missed by many more relatives and friends in the United States, Italy and Canada.

Frank was predeceased by his father Vincenzo Tropea, mother-in-law and father-in-law Maria and Pasquale Tripargoletti and sister-in-law Antonietta Tropea.

Funeral services for the late Frank Tropea will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 with family and friends gathering in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church, 123 Hilldale Road, for the Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. A private family entombment will follow at a future date.

Visitation for family and friends will be held after 4:30 P.M. on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma, with Vigil Prayers being offered at 7:00 P.M.

Should family or friends so desire, donations to the Northern Cancer Fund or the Underground Gym and Youth Centre would be greatly appreciated.

Please sign the Online Condolences at everestofthunderbay.com