Sudbury, Ont.-based Your Independent Grocer owner Frank Battistelli passes away

Franco (Frank) Antonio Battistelli, owner of Battistellis Your Independent Grocer in Sudbury, Ont., has died at 84 years old.

Battistelli – whose grocery career spans 48 years – passed away on April 1 after a short illness. 

Born on April 8, 1939 in Italy, Battistelli immigrated to Sudbury in 1952 with his family at the age of 13.

In 1989 he moved to the city’s Lively neighbourhood to run the Walden Valu-mart, and in 1995 moved across the street and opened Battistellis Your Independent Grocer with his son Brent.

He also previously served as chair of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers board of directors.

Battistelli was married to his wife Linda for the past 56 years. He had two children, Brent (Jane) and Lisa (Chris Brown), and was a beloved “nonno” to Alex, Christian (Rachel), Danielle, Giulia, Olivia, James, Julia, Nick, Ryan, Luke and Bisnonno to Leo and Gracie.

“Frank was a kind and generous man, who made many friends along his life’s journey. Frank’s quiet presence, sense of humor, generous spirit and humility has made our world a richer place and his presence in our lives will be deeply missed,” an obituary written by the family reads.