Frank Sabatino
May 9, 1955 – November 15, 2001
It was very important to Frank to contribute to the community. He was an active member of the Minor Oaks Hockey Association, as convenor and serving as a director on the MOHA Board. Frank was awarded the 2000 – 2001 Syd Peacock Award for the convenor of the year.
He was a 20 + year employee of GlaxoSmithKine and always said it was like he started working there yesterday. Frank was an avid golfer and in the hockey off-season convened soccer.
Frank was born in Trenton, Ontario to parents that had immigrated to Canada from Italy in the early 1950’s. His parents instilled a strong work ethic in Frank so whatever Frank undertook and was passionate about he gave 110 percent. When he was 12 years old he decided that he wanted to play hockey. He worked hard to develop the skills that many of his friends had already acquired from years of playing hockey. He became a strong house league player.
Frank loved participating and watching sports. In his early years, in addition to hockey, he successfully competed in cross-country, football, tennis, skiing and racquetball. It was in his thirties that he caught the golf bug.
At 28, Frank developed a condition that affected his mobility. As the years passed, it became increasingly difficult for him to walk without the aid of a cane or other mobility device. Although Frank had to give up many of the sports he enjoyed, he found other ways to participate and be part of his children’s athletics. He also discovered with the help of others that no matter how tough it got, you can still play golf. During 2001, before he became ill, Frank had played 60 rounds and was hoping to break his 2000 record of 110!
Convening hockey and watching the players and being with the family at the rink, were very happy and rewarding for Frank. He always said that he hoped that in a small way he made it possible for the boys to experience the challenge, competition, fair play, friendships, fun and great times like the ones he carried as fond and cherished memories.
Unfortunately, Frank was diagnosed with leukemia in August, 2001. He didn’t get the chance to watch or convene any games but he did the division stats from his hospital bed for as long as he was able. He lost his battle with leukemia November 15, 2001.
Enjoy the tournament, Frank would be happy to know that he continues to contribute to building on the children’s skills, experiences and fond memories.
Marisa, Paolo and Debbie Sabatino