Obituary of Frank De Santis

June 19, 1943 - Sora, Frosinone, Italy

May 25, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Franco De Santis passed away peacefully in Calgary on May 25, 2022, at the age of 78 years. He leaves behind his loving wife of 20 years, Deby Haddon (née Dickinson), beloved daughters Michelle and Heather (Douglas) of Ottawa and beloved stepdaughters Jennifer (James) and Christine (Jordan) of Calgary, loving sister Anna (Vince) of Windsor, and loving Aunt Santa (Felice) of Toronto. He was predeceased by his parents Salvatore and Antoinette (née Buono), sister Maria (Francesco), and brother Dominic (Margaret). Franco was the adored Nonno of his 6 grandchildren who loved his big laugh and even bigger hugs: Madeleine, Xavier, Evelyn, Foster, Cillian and Olexa. He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends in Calgary, Windsor, Toronto and Mexico.

Franco was born in Sora, Frosinone, Italy on June 19, 1943 and moved to Toronto, Canada when he was 12 years old. Franco was dedicated to his work, apprenticing at a young age to help support his family, becoming a respected tool and die maker in Toronto, Windsor, and Calgary where he completed a successful career with Field Aviation. In his well-deserved retirement he enjoyed traveling all over the world, and spent many happy years in Ajijic, Mexico with Deby among good friends in the sun. Franco loved life and was happiest when surrounded by the joy and noise of family, especially grandchildren. He also loved bowling, hiking, and being in the outdoors and mountains -- he brought his fishing gear wherever he went. He was a generous soul who helped many with his sage advice and kind words, and gave much of his time actively volunteering at the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery, Inn from the Cold, and the Calgary Winter Olympic Games.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary and Unit 53 for their kindness. As per his wishes, there will be no funeral. If you wish to honour Franco, his family would be grateful for donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

In living memory of Franco De Santis, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.