FRANCESCO (FRANK) AGOSTINO

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FRANCESCO (FRANK) AGOSTINO

November 12, 1939 - April 14, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend on April 14, 2025, at the age of 85. He passed away unexpectedly at Tudor House Personal Care Home in Selkirk, MB.

Left to cherish his beautiful memories are his beloved daughters: Juliana (Chris) Dubeski, Angela (Shaun Miles); siblings: Rocco Agostino, Bert (Wendy) Agostino, Tino (Nancy) Agostino; sisters/brothers-in-law: Gail Agostino, Patti Ryan, Eddie (Bev) Meyer, Gloria Benoit (John), Ollie Zirk and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, friends and his little grand-dog “Ziggy”.

Dad was predeceased by his beloved wife Joyce (of 60 years); parents: Stefano and Angela (nee Saverino) Agostino; brothers: Joe Agostino, Santo Agostino; sisters: Kathy (Bruce) Dennis, Amie (Mike) Mueller; father/mother-in-law Peter and Katie Meyer; sisters/brothers-in-law: Mary (Stan) King, Katie (Glen) Tocher, Theresa White, Clarence Zirk, Barbara Agostino and Madeline Meyer, Lucy Mikolajczyk and many other family members.

Dad was born and grew up in Gioiosa Ionica, Calabria, Italy. He was the oldest of eight children. He shared wonderful stories of growing up in Italy with his family and friends. When the Agostino family immigrated to Canada in the mid 1950s, they settled in Hazelridge, MB, where his dad worked on the CPR railroad; this is where they met many lifelong friends. They eventually moved to Winnipeg (Elmwood area/Martin Avenue). Dad was 15 years old when he came from Italy. He said he had to start back in Grade 1 with the younger kids. He was teased for speaking Italian and being older and taller than the younger kids; because of this, Dad said he hated school. So, one day he came home and told his parents he’s quitting school and going to get a job! Dad learned to speak English well. Even though he couldn’t read or write it as good, he still made it through life fine (we could always figure out what his little notes said)! Dad worked at The Royal Alexandra Hotel (he served the Queen at a banquet here), Pepsi Cola, Supercrete (where a concrete brick fell on his head and he got a “Gold Cap Safety Award” for wearing his hardhat, that saved his life!), Motorways, Paul’s Hauling, Harkal and Malcolm Construction. He also had a side business at home (fixing/painting/selling) many “Autopac write-off” vehicles that he brought back to life! Dad always made sure we each had a car, after he taught us how to drive and we had our license. We could always count on him to come rescue us if our car broke down (usually on the coldest day of the year)!

Dad was a very dedicated and hard worker, which he instilled in us. He was never afraid of a hard day’s work! You could always depend on him to be there to lend a helping hand to whoever needed it. He was like a strong reliable machine that didn’t quit! He even tried working when he was injured! Dad was at times very accident prone; (almost lost a few fingers and toes; burnt his leg; survived a stroke; recently fell, fractured his hip and broke his femur bone); but he sure had a high tolerance for pain! He was like a cat with nine plus lives and was invincible! Until he was called to Heaven to be with Mom!

We are so proud of Dad and his accomplishments throughout his life, even without having much of an education! He worked hard, had a smart, creative mind and used it to provide a great life for his family; (Mom helped him a lot also, they were a great team). Dad could fix, “MacGyver” or build anything! One of Dad’s most awesome, handmade creations was our School Bus Camper that carried a little Austin Mini car in the back, which he named “Kangaroo!” A funny memory that sticks in our minds was, on one of our many trips to visit family in Toronto; we heard all the truckers talking on the CB Radio; saying “There’s a Kangaroo on the 401 Freeway!” We realized they were talking about our bus! It was very exciting, and we felt like celebrities! Our camper bus slept 10 people; so we always had room to take lots of our friends camping with us! Dad also handmade a cool Dune Buggy (we had lots of fun and memories driving it at Uncle Mike’s farm and on the beach at Twin Beaches)! Dad enjoyed working at all his jobs, but he loved being a Father and Husband the best! He was always proud of us and was our number one fan! He would say, if the kids tease us about being short; tell them “Good things come in small packages!” We were very blessed to have him in our lives as our amazing, loving, supportive and devoted Dad/Husband! He is our biggest Hero! We will cherish in our hearts forever the wonderful childhood and family life that we had with Dad and Mom; and all the special memories and fun times that we all spent together as a family. Life with them was fun, exciting and adventurous! We always enjoyed being with them; and miss them for that now! Thanks, Dad (and Mom), for all your love and dedication; and for everything you provided and did for us so we could have such a wonderful life! Together, you did a great job to teach us, influence us and make us the great people that we have become! (Just like you two were)

Dad met the love of his life Joyce Meyer in 1961, who he married on October 26, 1963. They were the cutest couple, were inseparable, and always took care of each other. They lived in Winnipeg (Legion Avenue and Ingersoll Street). In 1971 they moved to their forever family home in St. Andrews, MB on Captain Kennedy Road. Where they raised their two girls, attended several community events, and made many lifelong friends. We have many great memories here! They also loved to let us have pets (dogs/cats/rabbits/fish/ even a Pony)! We are so proud of Mom and Dad for what they accomplished together!

Over the years Mom and Dad traveled throughout Canada, the US, Mexico, Cuba, and Europe - going to southern Italy to visit Dad’s hometown and extended family was one of their most cherished trips. The simplest pleasures in life brought Dad the most joy; he loved camping, travelling (often to visit family in Toronto and Thunder Bay), making wine, gardening, biking, visiting family and friends, cheering for the Jets, going to the beach and attending church (where he was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus). Dad was always happiest when spending time with his family and us “the loves of his life”: Mom, Jule, Ange, Chris and Shaun. We were his whole world; and he was ours!

We’ll miss Dad’s humour and funny sayings like: “How the heck should I know!” He loved whistling like a bird and was such a fun-loving, easy going, unique man, who was always doing or saying something goofy to make everyone laugh! We’ll miss his wildflower bouquets he picked for us from his yard; his “Shoebox of Love” Christmas gift; his cute smile and kind face. Dad was an extraordinary, kind-hearted and gentle soul. He was generous, considerate, caring, honest, humble, remarkable and had so much goodness inside of him. We loved having Dad live with us for nine months (after Mom passed away); and missed having him live with us during the last seven months when he had to stay in hospitals and go live at Tudor House (after falling). He will be dearly and forever missed by all of us, and everyone who knew him and was blessed to have him as part of their lives. The memories of Dad/Frankie Bear will live on in our hearts forever!

It gives us comfort that Dad is now reunited with Mom, as our precious Guardian Angels up in heaven! (He was so lost without Mom after she passed away last year!). May the Sunshine and Stars always shine upon you; God Bless You and Rest in Peace Dad; until we meet again in heaven! Give Mom a big hug and kiss from us. We Love you Dad; tell Mom we Love her too!

We sincerely “Thank” the Tudor House Personal Care Home staff, the Selkirk Regional Hospital and Selkirk Transition Unit staff, the Deer Lodge and Grace Hospital staff; for your loving and compassionate care of our Dad (Frank), during the last seven months of his life, (after his fall). You all hold a special place in our hearts!

At Dad’s wishes cremation has taken place. A Mass/Celebration of Life will be held at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church at 269 Jemima Street in Selkirk, MB on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with reception to follow. Interment will take place at a later date. The Mass will be livestreamed and a link will be available at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com. Our family would like to thank everyone for your love and support, it has meant so much and is truly appreciated! We Love you all and God Bless You!

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 17, 2025