It is with deep sadness that the family of Frank Madunic announce his passing after a brief illness on September 10, 2023 at Hogarth Riverview Manor in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Our father was born in Cista Provo, Croatia on October 1, 1934 and left Croatia at the age of 23, initially moving to France and then joining his brother Marijan in Thunder Bay, Ontario when he was 26 years old. He returned to Croatia in 1966 to marry Tona Mandaric, his wife of 57 years. Frank first worked at Abitibi-Price Ltd upon his arrival in Canada and then started working for Canadian National Railway as a mechanic in 1970 until his retirement in 1996. Our father was a great story-teller and loved to tell us stories of his homeland. He loved his home country, but equally loved his adopted country. He embraced all the things Canada offered, including Canadian winters, hockey, gardening, fishing and Tim Hortons coffee. He loved many sports and especially soccer, having played soccer in a Men’s league until the age of 85. Frank was very active in the Croatian community in Thunder Bay. He volunteered organizing picnics, banquets, Croatian Church functions, and volunteered as secretary of the Croatian Hall for many years.
Frank will be lovingly missed by his wife Tona, his children Irene (Joe Martin), Diana, Anthony (Helen) and Frank Jr., his grandchildren Lauren, Ben, Michael and Laura as well as sister-in-law Danica, sister-in-law Mira, brother-in-law Drago, brother-in-law Ivan, sister-in-law Irene, nieces Mary and Lillian as well as many other nieces and nephews in Canada and in Croatia.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, Iva and Ante, his brother Marijan and sister-in-law Marija, his brother Nicola and sister-in-law Marija, his brother Marco and his brother-in-law Milan.
Frank’s family would like to thank his family doctor, Dr. Minty, for exceptional care over the years, Drs Coccimiglio and Skunta and all the nurses and health care staff that cared for him at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Hogarth Riverview Manor.
A funeral Mass will be held on Friday September 15, 2023 at 11 am at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Condolences may be left at www.sargentandson.com
