Vecchio, Frank Joseph

Frank Joseph Vecchio (mostly know as Joe in Nelson and Frank in Trail) was born in Fernie, BC, on January 12, 1931, to Battista Vecchio and Catherine Vecchio (nee Gigliotti). He was the younger of two sons and was close with his brother, Michael.

He had a bright childhood full of sports and outdoor games.  In 1945 the family moved to Nelson, BC, and built a house on Robson Street.  Joe attended Trafalgar and L.V. Rogers and loved sports – he claimed he had participated in every type except curling. He met his first wife, Esther (‘Dusti’) while playing baseball.

They married in the early 1950’s and had 6 children.  There were many joyful summers spent at their family home on the North Shore.

Joe worked for Canadian Pacific Rail in his youth, spent a number of beloved years with the Nelson Police Department, and then worked for Cominco (now Teck) in Trail for 27 years before retiring.  He loved all his jobs and always spoke positively of his work adventures and his colleagues, some of whom he kept in touch with.

Joe married Virginia in 1990 and they had one child together.  He loved fishing with all his children, all of whom have fond memories of their dad’s favourite pastime.

He had many friends throughout life and loved his retirement years, frequenting garage sales in the 90’s and getting coffee downtown every morning with his circle of coffee buddies.  He fished regularly and went for daily walks up at the Rails to Trails until around 2016 when his health began to decline.  He will be remembered for his love of sweet treats and his enthusiasm for televised sports, as well as his incredibly encyclopedic memory of people and places.

Joe loved to see others smile and he was smiling and in good humour himself even on his very last day.  He passed peacefully which was our greatest hope as those who loved him.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother and leaves behind wife Virginia: children Terri, Val (Brent), Joe (Shelley), Peggy (Sean), Sandy (Shane), Shaun (Christina), Bobbi (Caitlin), and stepson Chris (Candy); as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

At his request, there will be no funeral service.  A private celebration of life will be held in the near future.

The family wishes to thank the kind home support workers and Kootenay Lake Hospital staff, all of whom made his final days comfortable and helped keep him smiling.

We love you Dad.  The heaven-fish you catch will be numerous.