January 23, 1937 – March 6, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Mr. Francesco Sgambelluri, at the age of 88, in the comfort of his home on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Born on January 23, 1937, in Calabria, Italy, Francesco was the beloved son of the late Frank and Angela Sgambelluri. As a young boy, he immigrated to Canada with his family.
Francesco married his true love, Joyce Morellato, and together they built a beautiful life, creating a warm and loving home for their six children. He was most proud of his family—his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Time spent with them brought him the greatest joy.
Francesco dedicated his career to the automotive and autobody repair industry. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open Frank’s Body Shop with his brother-in-law and business partner Frank. Together, they built a successful business, making many friends along the way. Later in his career, he worked at CanCar and various other shops.
Francesco enjoyed being outside, especially tending to his garden and greenhouses. He made the most delicious wine and homemade sausages, as well as raising his own farm animals. He lived by the motto “No Hell,” to him life was meant to be enjoyed and surrounded by the people he loved. His love for hunting and fishing led to many happy memories being made on various lakes including Whitefish, Arrow, Black Sturgeon, and Lac des Mille Lacs.
Francesco will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Joyce; his children Donald (Louise), Dominic (Judy), Mary-Lynn (Gerard) Lesschaeve, Gerald, Michael (Shirley), and Anna-Marie; his grandchildren Jennifer (Arthur), Jeremy (Tammy), Danielle (Curtis), Chantal, Kylie (Barry), Brandon (Josee), Tara, Tammy, Evan, Ryan (Natasha) and Shayne; and his great-grandchildren Kayla-Anne, Kacie, Rosie, Hazel, Charlotte, Drew, Daya, Brynlee, Lincoln and Logan. He is survived by his siblings Jimmy (Rina), Mary, Joe (Bev), and sister-in-law Tina as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and extended family.
He was predeceased by his parents, Angela, and Frank Sgambelluri; sister Esther, brother Michael; daughter-in-law Lacy and brother-in-law Frank.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, with family and friends gathering in St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 1:30pm. Interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Visitation will be held before the service, starting at 12:45pm.
Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Francesco to the Northern Cardiac Fund (payable to TBRHSF) would be greatly appreciated. https://www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/northern-cardiac-fund
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
