Matthew Stephen Franko

Matthew Stephen Franko

After a long and wonderful life, our beloved father and husband passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Friday August 25, two days shy of his 97th birthday.

Dad had many loves in his life. He will be missed by Noreen, his cherished wife of 62 years, his children who adored him - Terry (Ed), Paul (Donna), Jim (Karen), Gary (Cathy) and Maureen (Phil) and his beloved grandchildren who he always made time for - Matthew, Nicole, Christopher, Stephanie, Samantha, Jacqueline, Michael, Katherine, Alexa, Paul, Daniel, Jacob and Riley.

Dad will be remembered as a gentleman with a huge smile. He loved family and friends and his gentle nature touched everyone he met. He was an avid golfer, loved baseball, curling, alpine skiing and even water-skied into his 70's. He also was a devoted Catholic who volunteered for over 40 years of ministry at St. Mary's Church, as well as other community organizations.

He is predeceased by his beautiful daughter Lee, his parents Stephon and Pearl Franko, and siblings Nick, John, Bill, Mike, Alex, Marie and Kay. He is survived by two brothers, Henry and George (Nora), his brother-in-law Lou, sisters-in-law Josephine and Joan, and many nieces and nephews. He loved them all.

His legacy and the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren were his compassion for others, his love for life, and his love for family. We will miss his infectious smile, his lively spirit and his kind and caring nature. We were blessed to have him in our lives for so long but we will miss him dearly.

A visitation will be held at Ward Funeral Home in Brampton (52 Main Street South) on Tuesday August 29th from 5-9 pm. The funeral service will take place at St. Mary's Church in Brampton (66 Main Street South) on Wednesday August 30th at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant House or the Salvation Army