Obituary of Frank LaBarbera

LaBarbera, Frank

In his own house, in his own bed, Frank LaBarbera ended life in his 96th and a half year, holding his doting youngest son Vincent's hand. Also father to eldest daughter Lina Firth (husband Mike Firth) and middle child John Labarbera (wife Ruth Nichols). Proud Nonno of Lydia LaBarbera Burt (husband Chris), Grace LaBarbera, Frank-Anthony LaBarbera Nicholas LaBarbera, Sarah Firth, James Firth,  Michael (wife Eva) Firth, Jason (wife Rebekah) Firth , Brandon (wife Tina) Firth step grandkids Travis & Tyler Hubley, and Kendra Nichols and Bis Nonno of Lincoln Burt William Firth , Victoria Firth, Vienna Firth, Evan Firth  Josie Firth , Veronica Firth, Lucas and Jack Firth 

Frank was born in Sicily in 1928 and endured many hardships in war-torn Italy. He was the third born of nine brothers and sisters. Frank and his older brother helped in any way they could in the raising and providing for a family of 11. Their main way of earning a living was farming and cultivating lemon and olive trees. Later, he pursued a career in law enforcement and became a police officer for 12 years. During that period of his life, he married his amore Lina senior. He eventually made a big sacrifice to make her happy and immigrated to Canada because all of her family had pre-immigrated to the Americas. He helped run our grandparents' restaurant for 11 years before founding the fourth pizzeria in London, Frank and Gus Pizza. He was the boss, and his passion for running the business was only equal or surpassed by the other boss, Mama, for 52 years.

They say you are not a true man on this earth while you can still call another man, dad. We just want to say thank you, Dad, for letting our childhoods last into our 60s. We know in our hearts you're with Mama, and that gives us peace. We remember the last thing you said to her at her visitation: "You supposed to cry for me, no me for you." Well Pops, now we all cry for both of you; always in our hearts, for now and for always.

Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Tuesday, February 11 from 2-4 and 7-9 o'clock.  Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Church, 345 Lyle Street, on Wednesday morning, February 12 at 11 o'clock.  Entombment in Holy Family Mausoleum.