Battistelli, Franco Antonio

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Frank on Monday, April 1, 2024, after a short illness.  Frank was born to Mario and Elisa Battistelli on April 8, 1939, and was a beautiful presence on this earth for almost 85 years. His life was a precious gift to all who knew him, and he was loved by so many.

Frank shared a wonderful life with his wife Linda Battistelli (nee Pella) for the past 56 years and they were never far from each other’s side.  Frank’s love of family was easily seen, and he cherished spending time with his two children Brent (Jane) and Lisa (Chris Brown) and their families.  He was a beloved Nonno to Alex, Christian (Rachel), Danielle, Giulia, Olivia, James, Julia, Nick, Ryan, Luke and Bisnonno to Leo and Gracie.  Frank adored his sister Martha (Mike McLaughlin) and they shared many special times together.  Dear brother-in-law to Fred Pella (Shirley), Wendy (Tim Murack), and Eddy Pella (Eva) and Uncle to Jason Tarnopolsky (Amy), Derek (Anne Marie), Laura (Scott), Dean, Peter McLaughlin (Niki) and Barry.

Frank was born in Italy and immigrated to Sudbury in 1952 with his family at the age of 13.  In his younger days Frank played saxophone in a jazz band called “Serenaders” and was a seasoned bowler.  Frank had a love of animals and raised both ducks and canaries. He also enjoyed hunting, taxidermy and woodworking.

Frank was a highly respected grocer for 48 years having worked alongside many in his Franchise business and with Loblaws. In 1989 he moved to Lively to run the Walden Valu-mart and in 1995 moved across the street and opened Battistellis YIG with his son Brent. He served the community with integrity and generosity for many years and his staff were considered his family.

His best times were spent at camp on Birch Lake, where he enjoyed every aspect that nature brings.  He could often be found walking in the bush in his bare feet enjoying the beauty of his surroundings, picking mushrooms, working in his garden where the vegetables were plentiful, or on the lake fishing.   He was very fond of “Jennifer” the deer who visited the camp each summer and they walked the bush together and fed her many apples. Frank loved to cook and sitting around the table he built at camp sharing a meal with family and friends is where his heart was happiest.

Frank was a kind and generous man, who made many friends along his life’s journey. Frank’s quiet presence, sense of humor, generous spirit and humility has made our world a richer place and his presence in our lives will be deeply missed.

Our family wishes to thank Dr. Rob Lepage, Dr. Andre Michon, Dr. Masters, Dr. Falk, Dr. Ohle, Dr. DeBlacam, Dr. Urban and the staff at the Espanola and HSN Emergency Departments for their support and care during Frank’s short illness.  We also wish to thank Northern Respiratory, Home & Community Care services and Jim Ranger from Ranger’s Cremation and Burial Services for their compassion and kindness. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations to be made to the Espanola Regional Hospital Foundation.

A Celebration of Frank’s Life will take place on Saturday April 20^th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Natura, 1351-D Kelly Lake Road Sudbury.