Obituary of Franco Di Diodato

With great sadness, the family of Franco announces his sudden and unexpected passing in Toronto, Ontario, on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at the young age of 58. He was the son of the late Benedetto and Algisa [Belisario] Di Diodato. Franco is survived by his wife Laurie [Laboucane] Di Diodato; sons, James of Toronto, David of Ottawa, and Brian of Barrie, Ontario; and daughter Gloria of Karratha, Australia. In addition, Franco is survived by his brothers John of Fredericton and Gabriele of Minto; sisters, Marcella Di Diodato and Eva McLellan both of New Zion, N.B.; nieces and nephew; several cousins in Minto, Ontario and Italy. Since grade 6 Franco wanted to be a weatherman, the career he pursued and was passionate about until his passing. He graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Science in 1977 then completed specialized meteorological training before beginning work with Environment Canada in 1978. He became a household name in the NorthWest Territories while providing the daily weather forecast for radio listeners, before relocating with his family to the greater Toronto area in 1997 where he continued to work with Environment Canada as a Data Quality Assurance Specialist on the national desk. Franco was the ultimate Mr. Fixit. No project was too big or too small. A relaxing vacation was completing as many projects as possible in one week, being sure to enjoy the company of family or friends at the end of each busy day. He was an avid fisherman, cyclist and swimmer; was very well read and versed in current issues; was a loving husband and remarkable father and brother who will be dearly missed. Cremation has taken place in Barrie. A funeral mass service will take place in Minto, N.B. at the Holy Rosary Parish on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 11am with Rev. Paul Bebodu officiating. A celebration of Franco’s life will immediately follow at the Holy Rosary Hall in Minto, and then burial at St. Bridget Cemetery afterward at Hardwood Ridge, N.B.