Franco Piscopo: 1920-2008

SooToday.com has received the following notice from the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre concerning Franco Piscopo, a former Italian artillery officer, Canadian diplomat and translator for Prime Minister Pearson.

************************* PISCOPO, Franco Attilio Enrico – Peacefully, on palliative care, Plummer Hospital, with family at his side, Friday, June 20, 2008 at age 87.

Beloved husband of Marilyn (nee Webb) and father of Frances (deceased), Eric (Sault Ste. Marie), Mark, Claude, Ann (Sault Ste. Marie), and Peter Piscopo.

Born and raised in Rome, Italy, to parents Francesco and Ida (nee Merlani) and survived by sister Maria Teresa of Italy and grandchildren Erin, Annemarie, Thomas, Amy, Kate, Katie, Zachary, Sara Pier, and Dominic.

At the tender age of twenty, Franco enlisted in the Italian army during the Second World War.

The “Lucky Lieutenant” is a decorated war veteran and sole surviving officer of the 3rd Artillery Regiment, 18th Battery of the Italian Alpina troops to return from the Russian campaign.

Academically, he achieved a PhD in political science from the University of Rome, and a Master’s in economics from McGill University in Montreal.

His career as an economist with the Canadian Federal Public Service had many interesting and diverse high points including three years service as a Canadian diplomat in Paris for the OECD, acting as translator to Prime Minister Pearson on the occasion of the Italian prime minister’s visit to Canada, assisting in negotiations between Al Iltalia and Air Canada, and representing Canada at numerous international meetings for industry, trade and commerce.

On a voluntary basis, Franco became involved as a member of the board of trustees of the Ottawa Civic Hospital in charge of finances.

As well, he founded the National Congress of Italian Canadians.

And of final mention, Franco took a leading role in the fundraising and construction activities of the “Friuli Project” following the devastating earthquake in this mountainous region in Italy.

Thank you to Dr. A Balogh, Dr. J. Robertson, and the staff of 200Y and palliative care for your care and consideration during this difficult period.

Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Sunday, June 22, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Funeral Mass celebrated on Monday, June 23, 2008 at Precious Blood Cathedral at 11 a.m.

Monsignor Bernard J. Burns officiating.

Interment Rome, Italy.

Memorial donations to the New Sault Area Hospital Fund.

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