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BORN
1957
DIED
2021
Francesco Ruberto Obituary
It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father, Nonno and brother Francesco (Frank J) Ruberto on October 25th, 2021 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He began his life on April 24th, 1957 in his most beloved Nanna Caterina's house in Sambiase, Italy. He was her Cicciariallu. They were inseparable. He was 4 and 1/2 when he, his mother Angelina and 4 siblings left Italy on the Saturnia to come to Canada to join their dad who had immigrated in 1959. Arriving in Halifax on November 20th 1961, his first adventure in Canada was to spend 18 days in quarantine at Pier 21 and finally arriving in Port Arthur via Montreal on December 11th, 1961.
He attended St. Joseph's, St. John's, St. Ignatius and P.A.C.I., where in Grade 10 he quarterbacked the junior football team and was on the soccer team that won two consecutive city championships, before venturing into the working world at the ripe old age of 16 on the freighter, Roy A. Jodrey. Frankie then took night classes and became a welder, after which he, his brother Johnny and a friend started up Ruberto Welding, making railings, fences and gates. As a welder and ironworker, he worked all over N.W.O. before taking a position at Provincial Paper Mill in the Maintenance department. Frankie was also a Jack of all trades, building houses, garages and doing renovation work. He took pride in the work he did. Many structures in Thunder Bay have his name on them. Through his years in the trades he established many great friendships that he cherished. He could be seen daily at Robins, sitting with friends discussing politics, sports and current events over a small black coffee.
He and Debby met at a young age and married shortly after. They welcomed Jackie in 1975 and Frankie Jr in 1980 who in turn gave him 5 beautiful grandchildren who will cherish their loving Nonno forever.
We, his children Jackie Ruberto and Frankie Ruberto (Melissa) survive him, along with our mother and his close friend Debby Sneve and our 5 children Carley, Chloe, Myla, Vinny and Sully. He also leaves behind his 5 siblings (The Boat People) and their families, Cathy Pucci (Sam) and family, Joanne Ruberto and family, John Ruberto (Linda) and family, Sam Ruberto and family and (the Finlander) Teresa Ruberto (Rob) and family. Other relatives in Thunder Bay, Montreal, Italy, and around the world also survive.
Predeceased by his Parents, Angelina and Vincenzo, his Nonni, Francesco, Teresa, Giovanni and his beloved Nanna Caterina. Also predeceased by his niece Natacha, sister-in-law Rosemary and 2 brothers in infancy. “...one by one the chain will link again”
The family would like to thank the staff in the ICU, 1A and 2B departments at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their exceptional care and compassion throughout these difficult weeks.
As per his wishes cremation has taken place and he will be laid to rest with his Nanna Caterina. Visitation for friends and family will take place on Tuesday November 9th from 5:15pm to 6:15pm at St. Anthony's Church (Hilldale). Covid protocols are in place. Masks and social distancing are required.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
With great Love and Tears we all say goodbye to our Father, Nonno, Brother, Uncle. Friend.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francesco Ruberto
7 Entries
Gina
November 9, 2021
Rest easy Frankie
You will be missed dearly by all
Gina & family
Lorella
November 9, 2021
Non ti ho conosciuto ma fai parte della famiglia
Quindi del nostro cuore
Julie “Ruberto” Palmer
November 7, 2021
Frankie was one of my best friends growing up. When his family came from Italy they lived on the top floor of my parents place on Dalton Ave. Because we were the same age, I was elected by our parents to help him get to school.
I use to drag him to St Joseph’s because he never wanted to go. We were just five. At first I barely understood him as he spoke Italian so fast. But we became close friends. Through the years we got in a lot of trouble together. From skipping school, and covering up for each other.
Even thou we lived in different cities, I could always expect a little zing comment from him on a FB post. Especially I’ll miss his birthday post to me.
Every time I came back to T.Bay I would try to look him up or stop by a Tim’s where he would be with his brother Johnny.
My last fondest memory is a couple of years ago, I was in town and asked Jackie for his cell number. I told her not to say anything to him. I texted him and said I was in town and to meet at Tim’s at county fair. He asked who it was, as it was an out of town number. I said “ah Frankie we had lot of good times together, just wanted to reminisce”. I said I’d meet him at 10 and to have a coffee with 2 cream and one sweetener for me. I really had him going. I showed up a few minutes after 10 and he was sitting there looking out the window thinking it was one of his past girlfriends showing up. I walked up to the counter then he noticed me. I walked over to his table, where he was sitting with two coffees. He asked how long I was in town for. I said fo a week or so visiting the grandkids. Mean while he was still looking out the window for this mysterious woman to show up. He offered to buy me a coffee and asked what I take in it. Two cream and one sweetener..
The light bulb went off. We had such a laugh about it.
I still can’t believe he is gone. My heart goes out to Jackie and Frankie. His kids and grandkids were his world.
All my love to the whole family during this difficult time.
Every time I go by a Tim Hortons I think of him.
RIP my good friend.
Julie Palmer♥
Becky & Jerrold Labrecque
November 7, 2021
Jackie & Frankie I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family ❤
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Georgie Picard
November 6, 2021
Dear Jackie
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your Dad I sincerely hope that the memories you made and the father daughter times you shared bring you peace and strength at this difficult time
Georgie picard (Beckys mom)
Angela Molinaro
November 6, 2021
Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
May Frank R.I.P. and be in God's care. ❤
Andy Peloza
November 6, 2021
The Roberto Clan:
Shocked and saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. I worked with him at Provincial and he was, as the obit states, a great guy, with a great work ethic and skills, who also liked to joke around and plan pranks to play on unsuspecting Larry.
From hand cleaner in the phone earpiece, to lighting his work jacket sleeve alit, he was a master and I chuckle still about theses shenanigans and will remember him as such!!
My condolences to you all.
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