Passed away 20 June 2003 - age 85
Besignano: Mr. Frank Besignano, age 85 years, a resident of Thunder Bay, died in TBRH McKellar Site, on Friday, June 20, 2003. Frank was born and raised in Fort William and attended local schools. As a young man, Frank joined the Merchant Marines during World War II and was stationed in Newcastle Upon Tyne England. He was a cook on the ships that supplied North Africa and the Mediterranean. Frank was instrumental in having the Merchant Marine recognized as veterans.
After the war was over, Frank came home and worked for the CNR. For several years he owned and operated a restaurant in Fort William. Frank then returned to the CNR working there as a machinist, until his retirement. Frank was married to Cecelia McAlpine, whom he met while overseas, in 1945. She predeceased him in 1999. Frank was a member of the Royal Canadian Slovak Legion Branch #129 and the Naval Association. Frank was well known for his charity work, especially with the ALS Society where he had worked tirelessly for the organization. Many local charities benefited from Frank's time and generosity, whether it involved with fund raising or even cooking for a group at the church or wherever it was needed. Frank was a very community minded citizen and in his earlier years he coached a variety of sports.
Frank is survived by his son Dominic (Marsha), grandchildren Ian Lewis, Aimee Lewis, Michaela Besignano and great-grandchild Kianna Lewis, sisters Angelina Heino and Phyllis Besignano, both of Thunder Bay and brother John (Yvonne), Kitimat, British Columbia. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Dominic and Ursula, wife Cecelia, daughters Darlene and Frances Ann (Cookie), brothers Joe and Louis and sisters Rose and Mary. Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 when family and friends will gather for the Funeral Mass in St. Elizabeth's Church at 1:30 p.m. celebrated by Rev. Richard Kowalchuk. Interment will follow in the Military Plot at Mountain View Cemetery. Vigil Services will be offered on Monday June 23, 2003 at 8:00 p.m. , in the Blake Funeral Chapel followed by a Legion Service of Honour conducted by members of the Royal Canadian Legion Slovak Branch #129. If friends desire, memorials to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society would be appreciated.A tree will be planted in memory of Frank Besignano in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 27, 2004.On-line Condolencesmay be sent towww.tbaytel.net/blakes"
Online Obituary
Besignano: Mr. Frank Besignano, age 85 years, a resident of Thunder Bay, died in TBRH McKellar Site, on Friday, June 20, 2003. Frank was born and raised in Fort William and attended local schools. As a young man, Frank joined the Merchant Marines during World War II and was stationed in Newcastle Upon Tyne England. He was a cook on the ships that supplied North Africa and the Mediterranean. Frank was instrumental in having the Merchant Marine recognized as veterans.
After the war was over, Frank came home and worked for the CNR. For several years he owned and operated a restaurant in Fort William. Frank then returned to the CNR working there as a machinist, until his retirement. Frank was married to Cecelia McAlpine, whom he met while overseas, in 1945. She predeceased him in 1999. Frank was a member of the Royal Canadian Slovak Legion Branch #129 and the Naval Association. Frank was well known for his charity work, especially with the ALS Society where he had worked tirelessly for the organization. Many local charities benefited from Frank's time and generosity, whether it involved with fund raising or even cooking for a group at the church or wherever it was needed. Frank was a very community minded citizen and in his earlier years he coached a variety of sports.
Frank is survived by his son Dominic (Marsha), grandchildren Ian Lewis, Aimee Lewis, Michaela Besignano and great-grandchild Kianna Lewis, sisters Angelina Heino and Phyllis Besignano, both of Thunder Bay and brother John (Yvonne), Kitimat, British Columbia. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Dominic and Ursula, wife Cecelia, daughters Darlene and Frances Ann (Cookie), brothers Joe and Louis and sisters Rose and Mary. Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 when family and friends will gather for the Funeral Mass in St. Elizabeth's Church at 1:30 p.m. celebrated by Rev. Richard Kowalchuk. Interment will follow in the Military Plot at Mountain View Cemetery. Vigil Services will be offered on Monday June 23, 2003 at 8:00 p.m. , in the Blake Funeral Chapel followed by a Legion Service of Honour conducted by members of the Royal Canadian Legion Slovak Branch #129. If friends desire, memorials to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society would be appreciated.A tree will be planted in memory of Frank Besignano in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 27, 2004.On-line Condolencesmay be sent towww.tbaytel.net/blakes"
Online Obituary