It is with broken hearts we say goodbye to Frank Cava (better known as “Kootsie” by his close friends and family).
Frank passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday August 23rd, 2024, at the age of 75. Frank was a father, a beloved brother, brother-in-law, father-in-law, grandfather, son, uncle, and friend. Frank was born on May 17th, 1949 in Pedace, Cosenza, Italy. In 1952, his family immigrated to Port Arthur, Ontario.
As a young boy he enjoyed playing kick the can with the neighborhood kids and became a great baseball player. He played baseball for the Port Arthur Little league and later on lob ball for the Italian Centennials.
Frank held a number of jobs as a young man from selling newspapers on the corner, moving into the circulation department at the Chronicle journal and working as an industrial laborer at the Pulp and Paper mill. Frank had an extensive career in the Automotive Industry. As an automobile enthusiast, he started at Kings Stereo, and then made the move over to Dominion Motors where he started as a service writer, moving up to become the service manager and ultimately fixed operations manager. During this time, he was also a partner with Cava’s Jewelers, where his love of gold rings and things really took off! From there he relocated to Dryden to become the General Manager at Dryden GM. While in Dryden he also owned and operated Robins Donuts until his retirement in 2014 when he returned to his roots in Thunder Bay.
Frank was a long-standing member of the Italian Society of Port Arthur, the Kinsmen Club of Thunder Bay, and the St. Anthonys Bowling League.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. If you were willing to go, he would be there. Frank enjoyed his home on East Thunder Lake, where he would spend hours in his ice shack or trolling the lake in his boat. He would boast about how he had caught every species of fish in “HIS” lake! He cherished being a grandfather and taught all of his grandchildren how to fish on “HIS” lake! He was an incredible pool player and could run a table for hours. He loved to play cards and placing the odd wager or two! Frank was known for his unmatched knack for wheeling and dealing. He could barter for just about anything and would never miss the chance to make a quick buck. Frank was always known for wearing and loving his GOLD – necklaces, rings and bracelets! He loved being a part of the Soprano watch group with friends from Dryden.
Frank absolutely loved spending time with family and friends. He would always brag about his family being the best in the world and that his brothers were his incredible source of support, understanding and companionship. Although his sister didn’t live in Thunder Bay, Frank always cherished their phone calls and visits. This past year when Frank’s son Louis moved back to Thunder Bay, Frank was overjoyed and it really meant the world to him. Frank had a unique relationship with his son-in-law Todd where they shared an amazing bond full of humorous banter and love. Frank was always the life of the party at any family gathering and kept everyone entertained with his stories and jokes. Frank regularly travelled to Fort Frances where he loved spending time with his partner Linda, her children and grandchildren, who all had a special place in his heart. We all know he loved Elvis Presley and would talk about how he saw him live 3 times! Although he could dance like Elvis, he could not sing like him! He had a passion for animals and loved his pets, Bella, Becky and Bosco.
He is survived by his children Maria (Todd) Kiviaho, Kathy Cava, Louis Cava, and their mother Valerie. His grandchildren Karadyn Kiviaho (Marshal), Joey and Franki Dacosta; brothers Paul (Irene); Tom (Donna); George (Cathy) and sister Virginia (Guy) Turcotte - St. Bruno, QC as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and MANY MANY special friends - TOO MANY TO NAME INDIVIDUALLY. From his Work friends, Personal friends, Hunting and Fishing friends, Italian Hall friends, Kinsmen, Bowling, Card playing, Motorcycle, Wednesday race nights, Golfing, Hockey families, to his Childhood besties.... you all know who you are! Frank had a generous and charismatic spirit, lived life to the fullest and truly touched so many lives during his time with us.
Frank was predeceased by his father Giovani Cava, his mother Maria Cava, his brother Etalo Cava, Sister-in-law Sandra Cava, his loving partner of 14 years Linda Kay, and his best friend Bella, his dog.
In keeping with Frank’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Mary Valente for her kindness, support and care shown to Frank over the years.
We will miss him dearly and hold our memories close to our hearts.
As Frank would always say "Yeah Baby!"
Donations in Franks memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
