Francesco Chirico

Frank passed away peacefully on March 1st, 2024 (age of 92) at the Gemstone Care Centre in Kamloops, B.C., surrounded by his family. Frank was born on February 22nd, 1932 in Serra San Bruno, Italy to Giuseppe and Addolorata Chirico.  He was the second of a large and loving family of ten children.  Dad immigrated to Canada in January 1956, and later that year he married his childhood sweetheart, Rosarina Borello.  They settled in Nelson, B.C. where they raised their three daughters, Dolores, Josephine, and Rosemary.

Dad worked briefly for CPR but spent most of his career at Kootenay Forest Products where he not only learned English, but continued his forestry education, achieving his lumber grader certificate and ultimately was the lead sawyer for KFP.  Even though he had limited formal education, Dad was a bright man who could fix anything from cars to appliances and built our family home in Nelson himself, which still stands today.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, winemaking and playing his guitar, usually singing beloved songs of his homeland like “Calabrisella Mia”.  Dad was a life-long learner, excelled at anything he tried, and was not afraid of a challenge.  He always said his best years were raising his three girls in Nelson with Rosarina at his side, where he enjoyed being part of a warm community of family, friends, and neighbours.  He truly loved Nelson, its beauty reminding him of the hills he left in Calabria. His door was always open for anyone to share a glass of wine, a laugh, and a story.  We will miss you so much, dad. Your intelligence, work-ethic, and determination continues to shine brightly in the eyes of your seven grandchildren.

Dad was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rosarina Chirico; his son, Sam; parents, Giuseppe and Addolorata Chirico; brother, Salvatore (Santina) Chirico; sister, Carmella (Tony) Campese; niece, Margaret Garrett; and sister Assunta Chirico.

He is survived by his children, Dolores (Larry-deceased) Rimpel; Josephine (Larry) Bertoncini; Rosemary Bell (Gene); and his seven grandchildren, Jennifer Brash (Ryan); Jaclyn Brash (Sergio); Natalie Brash (Drew); Taylor Bertoncini (Stephanie); Jocelyn Bell (Shane); Derek Bell (Delaney); and Justine Bertoncini (Sam).  Dad was also blessed with his great granddaughter, Lucia Pasqua.

He is also survived by his sisters Catarina (Vito-deceased) Carchidi; Rita (Alfio) Berardo; and Yolanda (Bob) Boden; brothers Angelo (Gina) Chirico; Bruno (Wendy) Chirico; Cosmo (Palma) Chirico; brother-in-law Bruno (Rafaelina-deceased) Borello, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Wynne and all of the care staff at the Gemstone Care Centre for their amazing dedication in taking care of Dad during his last years, proving there truly are angels that walk among us. We are forever grateful for the genuine love, support, compassion, empathy, and exceptional care dad received at the Gemstone.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday March 11, 2024, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 635 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, B.C. Reception to follow.

Interment to be held in Nelson, B.C. on Saturday March 16, 2024, at 10:00 am at Nelson Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or charity of choice.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: