FRANCIS MICHAEL "FRANK" LAURIA

Peacefully, at Ed's House on Saturday, August 2, 2025, with his family by his side. Frank was born in Toronto on February 11, 1943, to Roche "Bud" Lauria and Theresa Lauria (nee Lacey). In July of 1975, Frank married Sandra (nee Smith) and together, raised two sons, Bud Lauria (Sara) and Patrick Lauria. They were blessed with two grandchildren, Victoria and Ethan (Halle), whom he loved deeply. Born the middle child of five, Frank leaves behind many adoring family members including siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. Frank also had the good fortune of being surrounded by many good friends throughout his life. Frank was educated at Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School in Kingston prior to attending Queens University, where he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He spent several years as a Design Engineer with the Chrysler Corporation in Detroit before returning to Canada to begin a long and distinguished career on the retail side of the auto industry. Frank was no stranger to a car dealership. His father was a successful car dealer in Toronto until he passed away in 1964. Frank was still in school when his father died and the dealership was sold. If he was going to be successful in the car business, he would have to make his own path. His opportunity came in the form of Dean Myers, a successful Toronto car dealer and close family friend. Frank quickly rose through the ranks at Dean Myers Chev Olds and in 1975, secured his first dealership, Lauria Chev Olds in Sutton, Ontario. In 1984, Frank, envisioning a brighter future for his family, relocated them to Port Hope, Ontario, where he had purchased the Pontiac Buick GMC dealership. In 2001, family members officially joined the business, and the dealership was moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility on the 401. Lauria Pontiac Buick GMC ran successfully until the demise of the Pontiac brand and the restructuring of General Motors Canada in 2009. Frank was sharp. He saw an opportunity, not only to protect his business and family from the failings of a massive corporation, but to adapt and thrive. In October of 2009, Frank secured a Hyundai franchise to replace the GM franchise and immediately rose to new heights. In 2011, Lauria Hyundai was the top ranked Hyundai dealership in Canada. In 2017, the family added a Volkswagen store next door. In late 2024, both generations made the decision to retire and sell the stores. Frank leaves behind a legacy to be proud of. A brilliant Mechanical Engineer, a successful car dealer of 50 years, an avid and talented boater, a pillar of the community, and a mentor/teacher to anyone who cared to listen or observe. A visitation will be held on August 12, 2025, at Rushnell Funeral Home, 103 Mill St. North, Port Hope, from 2 to 4 p.m., and again from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held on August 13, 2025, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 155 Walton St., Port Hope, at 10:30 a.m., with a Reception to follow at the Town Park Recreation Center, 62 McCaul St., Port Hope, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The family would like to thank everyone who helped Frank navigate this final journey, including longtime friends and family who succeeded in making his final months special. Dr. Northey, Dr. Mule, Dr. Niglas, Dr. Smerdon, the nurses and staff at Northumberland Hills Hospital, community care, Saint Elizabeth Health, as well as Ed's House Hospice, you are all fantastic. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Ed's House Northumberland Hospice, Northumberland Hills Hospital or the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of Canada.