It is with profound sadness, after a stoic and dignified two year battle with various health issues, that we announce the passing of Franco Pagliccia on Tuesday April 16, 2019 in his 89th year. Devoted husband to Adele (nee Celli) for nearly 66 years, loving father of Tito (Tino) and Carina and Rino Genovese. Adoring grandfather to Chiara and Ross Genovese, who both brought him exceptional pride and joy. Predeceased are his parents Tito and Carina and sisters Maria and Suora (Sister) Gina of Italy and in-laws Luigi and Margherita Petrossi and Orazio Celli of Hamilton, Antonio, Alfredo, Mariano and Imelda Celli, Giuseppina and Antonio Velluto of Italy. He will be sadly missed by surviving sister in-laws Angela Celli of Hamilton and Maria and Adalgisa Celli of Italy, as well as, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Canada, USA, and Italy. Franco was a longtime employee of the Canadian Meter Company, but it was his entrepreneurial spirit which brought him great opportunities. He was rewarded in life by being continually surrounded by dedicated friends and family who cherished his company. He will be remembered for his kindness, selflessness, generosity, love of life, and the best arrosticini this side of the Atlantic. He was a member of the Associazione Nazionale Alpine Sezione di Hamilton and a founding father of the Associazione Brittolesi in Ontario. Franco was truly a proud Canadian but never forgot where he was from, that little piece of heaven high in the Apennine mountains of Abruzzo, Brittoli, Pescara, which he visited annually. Profound gratitude is extended to his dear friend Dr. B.L. DiPaolo for his dedicated care and support over the years and to Dr. Selbie and the amazing team of nurses and caregivers at St. Peter's Hospital Palliative Care 3 East for their compassion, professionalism and dedication. Visitation at Bay Gardens Funeral Home - "William J. Markey Chapel", 947 Rymal Road East, HAMILTON (905.574.0405) on Monday April 22, 2019 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm and on Tuesday April 23, 2019 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Vigil Prayers will take place during visitation on Tuesday April 23, 2019 at 8:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church, 20 Idlewood Avenue, Hamilton on Wednesday April 24, 2019 at 10:00 am. Entombment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, Burlington. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Cancer Assistance Program (CAP), 555 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 1A8, would be appreciated.

"His soul will forever fly over the beautiful mountains of Cannatina"