July 15, 2024

It is with profound sadness but with much gratitude for a fulfilled life that we announce the passing of Francesco “Frank” DiGeso, on July 15, 2024. Frank passed peacefully, at age 91, surrounded by a loving family. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 63 years Renza, daughter Jacqueline (Klaus Stresing), grandchildren Michael and Stephanie, and numerous caring family members, nieces, nephews, and friends, especially, Rita Daniele, John and Marian DiGeso, Dora Paul, Vince and Diane DiGeso, Tony DiGeso and Rose Esposito. He is predeceased by his parents Giacoma Decicco and Cosimo DiGeso, in-laws Noemi Cividino and Carlo Canzian, sister-in-law Linda Digeso, and brother in-laws Robert Daniele and Ronald Paul.

At age 19, Frank immigrated to Canada from Sannicandro di Bari and within a short time made Kamloops his home. His humble beginnings started in a one-room shack under the Kamloops Red Bridge. It was these very beginnings that shaped his sense of values, his integrity, untiring work ethic, fierce sense of responsibility for family, generosity of time and money, and a deep faith in God.

Frank’s life’s passion was shoes and his work as a skilled cobbler transpired into a thriving 60+ year career in the shoe business. Along with his brother John and wife Renza, they successfully built the Big Boot Inn Shoe Store, known far and wide for their quality of service. The business was frequented by many from BC and abroad from the farming communities to professionals, politicians, and even celebrities. Frank’s love of the Kamloops community was evident in his desire to redevelop several commercial properties along Victoria Street. Frank always felt that the “main strip” was the heart and soul of the city and even in his retirement years, he could be found every morning puttering around on the main street. Frank’s pride in Kamloops ran deep, always saying that “this town treated him well”.

Frank found joy in the simple things in life – coffee mornings with friends, tending to his garden at the River Street Community Garden and sharing his vegetable bounty with family and friends. He loved to keep busy maintaining the condo complex (the Dorchester) where he lived. In his younger years, and never with an idle moment, he prided himself in being meticulous and bringing order to everything he touched.

He was immensely proud of his Italian heritage and loved his traditional food, listening to the music of Pavarotti and Bocelli and playing the odd game of bocci. Time spent with family was always associated with food and they delighted in his talent for BBQing. He enjoyed his travels to Maui and Portland and his last family trip to Italy was a highlight of his life. Frank was involved in his community – in his earlier years he was a member of the Elk’s Lodge and in recent times a member of the Colombo Lodge, his strata council, and a long-time supporter of the RIH Foundation.

Although Frank’s health declined quickly these past eight months, he faced his last days with grace, humour, and always a deep concern for his family.

The Monsignor Jerry Desmond will celebrate a Mass of Christian burial at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Monday, July 22 at 11:00 am. Following a private family entombment at Evergreen Mausoleum, friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Frank’s life at the Colombo Lodge, 814 Lorne Street.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Liciu, Dr. Janz, & Dr. Imdegian and the staff of RIH 6North and Hillside Centre for their ongoing medical efforts, dedicated care, and compassion given these past months. The family also would like to acknowledge the amazing care, respect, and thoughtfulness given by Katherine Gilbert throughout this difficult journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks you to consider memorial donations in Frank’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed at:  www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

• Date : 2024-07-15
• Location : Kamloops