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Francis Michael "Frank" O'GRADY

Francis Michael "Frank" O'GRADY obituary, Toronto, ON

FUNERAL HOME

Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel

467 Sherbourne Street

Toronto, Ontario

Francis O'GRADY Obituary

O'GRADY, Francis "Frank" Michael With a great deal of sadness in our hearts, we share the passing of Frank at his home on Saturday, December 5, 2020. Predeceased by his parents Margaret and Denis O'Grady and dear brother Noel. Born in Toronto, February 26, 1957, Frank led a spirited and active school life at St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto. A talented musician from an early age, playing both the piano and organ, while also singing in the school choirs. Frank and his brothers were competitive Irish dancers. He received Canada Council grants to attend the Julliard School of Music in New York City, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree. He was a very accomplished musician, winning many accolades over the years. Upon returning from New York, Frank returned to his roots and taught at St. Michael's Choir School. Over the years he performed organ music at many churches around the GTA. His last and favourite church was Our Lady of Perpetual Help where he reconnected with his former teacher and mentor Peter Daly and met an ardent music champion in Monsignor Jim Hannah. Among his favourite memories was his 60th birthday party attended by current and former members of the OLPH choirs and his very special friends Michelle and Darya. Frank is survived by his brother John (Mary), his nephew Patrick O'Grady (Shirley) and their children Declan and Isla and his niece Jennifer Ladouceur (Chris) and their children Colson and Noelle. Francis communicated regularly with our Irish relatives John, Ameing, Michael and Eileen Maguire; Angela, Oisin, and Liam Maguire; Ken, Maureen, Brendan, Eileen, Kieran and Joseph Maguire; Kathleen, Pat, Michelle, Shane and Aisling O'Dwyer. The care provided by the staff of Toronto East General Hospital during Frank's battle with stage 4 colon cancer was extraordinary. In particular, we would like to thank Dr. Jing Li, Dr. Kevin Yoong, Dr. Kevin Workentin, Dr. J. Soni and Sue McKechnie. A very special thank you to Heather Foster who changed Frank's life for the better in so many ways. A fitting tribute and celebration of Frank's life awaits his family and friends on the other side of the pandemic. To honour Frank's thoughtfulness and his kindness to others (especially his very well chosen greeting cards for all occasions), contributions to your favourite charity would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Due to Covid, we are limited to immediate family but we will be streaming Frank's funeral service celebrated by Monsignor Hannah at 11a.m. on Friday, December 11, 2020. Please use Google Chrome to access the stream or playback of the service which can be found on rosar-morrison.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/15CYp9HeGdJZC6H_tyrh6qan-iCWnpDcvdBMF2TkQscE/edit?usp=sharing

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Published by Toronto Star from Dec. 10 to Dec. 11, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis O'GRADY

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6 Entries

Darya Findlay Hendry

October 12, 2022

Miss you very much dear Frank..Thankmyou so,much for all your wisdom, kindness and encouragement..
You were always so modest. ...darya

Cary Chiu

February 9, 2021

Mr. O'Grady (I am 50 years old, but I will always remember him fondly as Mr. O'Grady, my Organ teacher) taught me organ when I studied at St. Michael's Choir School. He taught me for just one year, as he had to take medical leave.

In the one year that he taught me, Mr. O'Grady packed in more skills-transferring, mentoring, teacher-student commitment and all-around devotion to helping a student than any teacher I have ever studied under, musical or otherwise.

On the morning of my Royal Conservatory Grade 9 Organ Exam, Mr. O'Grady showed up. He was there to show his support for me. At 8:00 in the morning, in the dead of a frigid Toronto winter! He was probably also there to see what the result would be of his epic year of teaching and prepping me. Would I perform like he believed I could?

I've attached the result of that exam. The result of my exam. The result of OUR exam. I always felt like we were in it together! Thanks to the our JOINT effort and commitment, I received a Silver Medal from the Conservatory. I am so pleased to have shared this honour with my wonderul, dear teacher!

Always in my heart, Mr. O'Grady, especially when I'm playing music.

Harry Hodson

December 12, 2020

Frank was a chorister who was characterized by his High School Principal, Fr Peter, as a “Leprechaun”. He was gifted at many things, especially music and humour, both of which he shared generously with others. We will miss you Frank. Sincere condolences to your family and friends.

Patrick Barry

December 12, 2020

So sorry to read this morning of Francis passing. We fondly remember our days with John, Noel, and Francis at the Butler Irish School of Dancing. Our deepest condolences.

Gordon Wright

December 11, 2020

I knew Francis well when we hang together in the CCOC. He was a great friend and we enjoyed the choir, and the subway rides home, immensely. I was so sad to read of this.

Karen Unsworth Berger

December 10, 2020

I am so sorry to hear this sad news... I have wonderful memories of Frank in the CCOC.. he and my late brother Vic Unsworth were great pals - Frank was an outstanding boy soprano, and serious musician even at that young age (10-13?) but he was also good fun! I know others in the CCOC share these wonderful memories of him.. God bless you Frank..❤

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Memorial Events
for Francis O'GRADY

Dec

11

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

ON

Funeral services provided by:

Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel

467 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON M4X1K5