Obituary of Francesco (Frank) Brisinda

April 10, 1936 – Castelsilano, Italy

April 4, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Francesco Brisinda, a loving husband, father and grandfather of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully with family at his bedside on Monday, April 4, 2022 at the age of 85 years.

Born and raised in the town of Castelsilano, Calabria, Italy, Francesco worked through his early adult years with Italy’s paramilitary Guardia di Finanza law enforcement agency. He was stationed throughout Italy, but mostly along the Swiss and Austrian borders.

Francesco immigrated to Canada in 1960 and in true entrepreneurial spirit, tried his hand at several businesses and trades before setting to work with Canadian Pacific Railway. Francesco was often deployed to assist with the emergency derailment team in the Canadian Rockies.

An avid soccer player and fan, Francesco played in his early years with the Western Canada Soccer League for Calgary Atco. His proudest soccer memory was a match at McMahon Stadium where he played with English soccer legend, Stanley Matthews, scoring the winning goal. Francesco was also a lover of nature, the wilderness, and adventure, and firmly established that love in his children. In later years, Francesco enjoyed his tomato garden and backyard, tending to his 'pomodori' and ‘villino’ with great pride and passion each growing season. Francesco will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends as a strong example of kindness, warmth, hard work, and self-sacrifice.

Francesco was predeceased by his parents, Luigi, and Rosina, and his sister Vincenza. He is survived by his loving wife Cristina; his sons, Lou (Florance) and Dalmazio; his daughter Brigida (Adam); and his adoring grandsons, Luca and Dario. He is also survived by his two sisters, Maria and Teresa.

In honour of Francesco’s wishes, Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

The family wishes to thank the nurses, doctors, support staff at Carewest, the Special Services Unit at Foothills Medical Centre, and all those who supported the family during this time.

In living memory of Francesco Brisinda, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.