Franco Renato Olivieri
October 19, 1938 - May 23, 2020
Funeral Details: Celebration of Life at a later date.
Olivieri, Franco: Passed away suddenly from complications of pneumonia, on Saturday May 23rd, 2020 at Eagle Terrace LTC after a long illness.
Loving husband of Elizabeth for 52 plus years. Devoted father of Louisa (Mario) and Renato (Heather) and proud grandfather of Alessandra, Nicholas, Kayli, and Leo, Avery and Ruby. Survived by his brother Antonio (Shirley) and his sister Maria (Mario) and an extended family of nieces and nephews who were all special to him.
Franco was retired from work however; his love of cooking was reflected in his restaurant and finally as a chef in the B&B- Girasole that he shared with his wife Elizabeth for ten years in Niagara on the Lake. While there, he was a dedicated Rotarian and rose to be Lt. Governor of the District 7090 of which he was so proud. Franco remained an honorary NOTL Club member for life.
Franco had a commanding personality and everyone he touched remembered his winning smile, joking ways and generous heart. He was larger than life and impacted all who met him. There are “Francoisms” everywhere. He loved his family fiercely, his food, wine and life in general with passion. He will be sorely missed.
So many have expressed their sympathies to our family. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Rotary Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to Peaceful Transition York and condolences may be forwarded to peacefultransition.ca
Kayli Olivieri
Posted on: Wednesday, May 27, 2020I love you grandpa and I miss you. I will never forget all the time I had with you.
simon creet
Posted on: Wednesday, May 27, 2020Franco was larger than life. His love for people, for food and for life itself was unquenchable. I will never forget his smile, his laugh, his giant hands and his giant bowls of pasta. We are all better for having spent time in his presence. To Elizabeth, Ren, Louisa and the extended family, I am very sorry for your loss. Please know that Franco touched many, many hearts on his journey. His memory will live strong.
Scott Henson
Posted on: Wednesday, May 27, 2020Rest in peace Franco. You brought up a wonderful son in Renato, he and all of your family will carry your legacy forward.
Marco Marsan
Posted on: Thursday, May 28, 2020My Zio Franco loved to cook, he seemed most comfortable in the kitchen. I remember a time visiting with the family unannounced and Franco (in his flip flops) whipped together a 3 star Michelin meal, telling jokes and flashing his Hollywood smile the whole time. He was my Godfather, and the very coolest uncle. Love and hugs forever.
isabel cairnie
Posted on: Friday, May 29, 2020my condolences Elizabeth to you and your family
Isabel (co worker from Vision travel) xx
Peter
Posted on: Thursday, June 25, 2020I have great memories of when I was a boy…..the Christmases, Easters, as well as the weekly Sunday lunches that your family and mine spent together. Your mother was the cement that united us all.
I looked up to you as you were a role model. Among other good memories, I remember fondly the two weeks I spent with you when I was thirteen in Northern Ontario.
I was saddened when I read your obituary by chance.
I hope you are in a better place.
RIP
cousin Peter ( Gino) Mancini
Fern Dworkin
Posted on: Monday, November 8, 2021Deepest condolences from Fern Dworkin who performed at Franco’s Restaurant on Avenue Road. Franco was an excellent chef and even better host. He looked like Dean Martin and he sang like him.
Within a very short time, I learned Dean Martin’s entire repertoire and Franco would perform a set vocally for appreciative patrons. Franco subsequently became a successful investment broker and continued to support his family, reinventing himself as required.
Every evening when the restaurant closed, he sat the entire staff down to dinner with wine. I am still performing as a musician and I have never since enjoyed the level of hospitality he provided to his staff.
Rest in peace Dearest Franco. May your memory and kindness be a blessing for all whose lives you touched.