"I loved that man.... He always made me feel special and a part of the family. This world has lost an amazing human and heaven has gained one.... Until we meet again, I raise my glass to an amazing friend, Saluti !!!"
In loving memory of
Frank A. Canton
December 10, 1931 - April 27, 2023
Greece: April 27, 2023. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ann Canton; children, Cathy (Mike) O'Heron, Richard Canton, Carol (Rick) Bennett, Susan (Chuck) Stiles; 5 grandchildren, Sara (Kevin) Wendt, Christin (Mark) Mueller, Jessica (Will) Sorrells, Dan (Katie) Sassone, & Nicole Sheldon; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Madeline Roeding; several nieces, nephews, & dear friends.
Frank's life story will be shared during his visitation, Wednesday, May 3, from 4-7 PM. His funeral mass will be celebrated, Thursday, May 4, 10:00 AM at St. Lawrence Church, 1000 N. Greece Rd., followed by his burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Journey Home, 994 Long Pond Rd., Rochester, NY 14626 in Frank's memory.
Remembering Frank Canton
Frank A. Canton (Cantisano) was born on December 10, 1931 in Rochester, NY to Vincent Cantisano and Concetta (DiGulio) Cantisano. Both of his parents immigrated to the United States from Pisticci, Italy, and settled in Rochester. His father was a barber who passed away when Frank was only 2 years old. His mother was a seamstress (and an excellent cook), who raised Frank and his older sister, Madeline Roeding, on her own.
Frank attended grade school at St. Anthony and Aquinas Institute for high school. After high school he was drafted into the Army and served in combat in the 25th Infantry of the Korean War and earned a Bronze Star. When he returned home, he completed some classes at Rochester Institute of Technology.
At a New Year's Eve party in 1955, Frank met Ann (Bonacci) Canton, who would be his wife of nearly 67 years. They married on May 19, 1956 in Rochester. They went on to raise four children: Cathy, Richard, Carol, and Susan.
He began a career in sales for commercial HVAC units. He was a very successful salesman and received many accolades, including Salesman of the Year. He retired comfortably at 58 years old.
Frank spent most of his life in Rochester, with a brief stint in California. Frank, Ann and their four children drove across the country in a station wagon to Huntington Beach, California, where they lived for 1 1/2 years before moving back to Rochester.
He spent a lot of time in Florida through the years, visiting friends during the winter months with Ann. Frank also enjoyed vacationing in Las Vegas--he loved the casino although he told everyone he went for Ann. Well into his late 80's, Frank would drive Ann to Seneca Niagara casino every week to hit the slot machines. He was a regular, and the staff loved seeing him every Thursday.
Frank was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, a hobby he passed along to his children. In the 80's and 90's he was a season ticket holder and attended many games with Ann and his children. Hopefully, some day, he will be able to watch the Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl from Heaven.
Frank loved to golf, walk the mall and sit in the food court with his "cronies," play cards with Ann (gin rummy was their favorite), and watch old Westerns and war movies. His song request was always Sweet Caroline or something by Joni James. He appreciated a good nap. Frank always ordered a manhattan, and he enjoyed a Swisher Sweet cigar every evening.
Frank was a family man through-and-through. His favorite thing in the world was spending time with his children, 5 grandchildren (Sara, Christin, Jessica, Dan and Nicole) and 9 great-grandchildren. He and Ann would host weekly "pasta fests" every Tuesday or Wednesday at their home for many years. It was a time for the whole family to get together, enjoy homemade sauce, and often watch American Idol. It's always a loud affair when Frank's family gets together; thankfully Frank was hard of hearing.
He enjoyed vacations to Sandbridge Beach with the whole family. It was a week of relaxing on the beach, cooking dinners together and playing games every night. Frank may have been a worrier, but he also had a great sense of humor and was the source of many laughs for the family.
Frank's legacy is his family. He raised a tight-knit group who will forever miss his presence. He was the patriarch of the family; a man who could always be counted on. He would never let you leave without saying "Call me when you get home."
Frank had a long, fulfilled life, and his passing is a great loss to all that were lucky to know him. His heart was filled with love for his family and everyone he cared for, and there won't be a day that goes by that he isn't dearly missed.
Tributes
"Sending our Sympathy, Prayers and Love to Sue, Huck, Nicole and the entire Canton family on the loss of such a great man. "If you live in the hearts of those you love, you never die." Charlanne, Arie and Family"
"Ann and family, I can?t believe the news. We just Wii bowled together a couple weeks ago! I very much enjoyed that time and told my coworkers how nice you both are and how much I enjoyed that time. I will miss Frank?s sense of humor. Frank was so kind and caring. You could just tell how much he loved Ann. My heart hurts for all of you. I hope your wonderful memories of Frank, Carey through the tough days. Ann, I hope you won?t be a stranger at programs. We?re here for you! ??"
"I used to work with your granddaughter Nicole for many years at crimson ridge and seen u and your wife in saint Lawrence church every sat night so sorry to hear this much love to your family "
"Oh, Mr. C . How I loved you. You were the second father in my life. I hope you?re playing golf, and catching up with family and old friends now. You were the epitome of the word father, husband, grandpa, brother, and friend. You will be missed. Till we meet again. ?? "