Francesco “Frank” Labate
May 9, 2023
Peacefully passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 in London, Ontario at 97 years of age. Beloved husband to Gloria for 34 years. Father to Bruno Labate (Terri) of London, Ontario; Alvina Accomazzo (Mark) of Charlotte, NC; and Ritchie Guy Labate (Jacqueline) of El Dorado Hills, California. Nonno to Christopher (Michelle), Kathryn (Sam), Brandon (Ashley), Ryan (Madeline), Kevin (Unun), Marissa (Christopher) and Amanda. Bisnonno (great-grandfather) to Luca, Ryder, and Jax. Stepfather to Oscar Flores (Maria Gutierrez) of Brampton, Ontario and Anna Moreira (Abraham) of London, Ontario. Step-grandfather to Selvin, Jefri (Jackie), Jairo (Cirle), Isaac, and Jessica. Step-great-grandfather to Kendra, Looky, Damian, Blaze, Cruz, Vanessa, Jacob, Elissa and Accasia.
Mr. Labate was born in Pellaro, Reggio di Calabria, Italy in 1926. He quit school at age 11 to help his family survive during the war. At age 22 he traveled to Belgium to work in the coal mines for approximately 4 years. He emigrated to Canada at age 26 where he worked in manual labour. He ended his career at age 60 when he retired after 30 years as a truck driver with the City of London. Shortly after he retired, he met his wife, Gloria, and together they shared a happy life of living in London, Ontario, wintering in Arizona and visiting family in the US, Italy and El Salvador.
Visitation will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023 at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Parish, 345 Lyle Street, London, on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 806 Victoria Street, London.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Frank may consider a charity of your choice.
Leave a tribute for Francesco “Frank” Labate
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Dear cousins, so sorry for the loss of your father, and wish to express our sincerest condolences and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Wishing you peace and comfort at this time of sadness, from your cousins, Sina, Tony & family
Your daughter is a beautiful person. I am blessed to have her in my life.
Bruno, Just a note to let you know that we are thinking of you and your family as you grieve the loss of your father. He must have been an extraordinary man to overcome so much adversity in his life. Our thoughts are with you during this time of sadness. Wishing you peace. Jan
Services for Francesco “Frank” Labate
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
May 19, 2023 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Funeral Mass will be held at:
St. Mary's Parish
345 Lyle Street,
London, Ontario
May 20, 2023 10:00 am
Bruno and Terri, my sincerest condolences on the passing of your father. He sounds like he was an incredible man.
~ Yvonne Hill