<div itemprop="description">Paul FROIO<br>(1942 - 2026)<br><br>It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Froio on May 27th, 2026, at the age of 83. He passed away peacefully with his son by his side.<br><br>Paul is survived by his wife, Lydia (Barsalou); his son Anthony (Kristina); his cherished grandson Lorenzo; his brother Joe (Patty); his sister Linda (Bryan); his brother-in-law David (Francine); and his nieces and nephews Donna (Michel), Paula (Domenic), Chris (Kristina), Cindy (Glen), Laura (Rob), and Krista (Chris). He was predeceased by his parents, Antonio (Jake) Froio and Lena (Pace), and his sisters Anna and Frances (and her husband Eddie). He is also survived by many other relatives and dear friends whose lives he touched.<br><br>Paul came from proud Italian roots. His father, Jake, immigrated from Calabria, and his mother, Lena, was born in Canada to a family with origins in Pescara. His father owned Jake's Billiard Room at 1633 St-Antoine West, and it was there that Paul and his brother Joe worked from a young age. The family also owned race horses, and as a boy Paul lent a hand to the trainers, learning the rhythms of hard work early. It was in that pool hall, too, that Paul witnessed events as a young teen that stayed with him all his life. Those formative years instilled in him the strong work ethic that would carry through every chapter of his life.<br><br>That work ethic found its true calling in pharmacy. After graduating from pharmacy school in 1964, Paul began what would become a profession of more than forty years. What started as an apprenticeship under pharmacist Lorenzo Dandurand grew into a career of his own, as Paul bought the Atwater Street pharmacy from him and later moved it to a larger location on St-Jacques, serving the people of St-Henri throughout. Pharmacy was the passion of his life, and he was far more than someone who filled prescriptions. His customers came to rely on his knowledge and his thoughtful guidance for whatever ailed them, and he met each of them with genuine warmth. The trust he earned ran deep. One customer thought so highly of him that he asked Paul to serve as the executor of his mother's will. He also had a particular tenderness for those who were struggling. When someone was down on their luck or waiting on a welfare cheque, Paul would quietly lend them what they needed to get by, always sparing them any embarrassment. That kind of loyalty and everyday generosity defined him.<br><br>That trust didn't end at the pharmacy door. The neighbours on the street where his family lived in Beaconsfield, along with his own family, would often turn to Paul with their health questions, knowing he would always take the time to help. He was there for his loved ones in their hardest moments, too, caring for Lydia's father, Gerard Barsalou, in his final days, and looking after her mother, Theresa Fiocco, in her later years. Whether behind the pharmacy counter, on his own street, or at a loved one's bedside, caring for others was simply part of who he was.<br><br>Beyond the pharmacy, Paul lived life with energy and joy. He was a gifted athlete in his youth, serving as captain of the hockey team at St. Leo's Academy and being named the school's senior athlete for the 1958-59 season, an honour that came with the Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Lapointe trophy. He carried his early love of horses throughout his life, along with a lasting passion for hockey, golf, and billiards. Later in his career, he studied to earn his pharmacist's license in Florida so he and Lydia could trade Montreal's cold for warm southern winters. In his younger years, summers often meant family trips to the beaches of Old Orchard and Wildwood, shared with family and friends. He and Lydia also travelled together in their earlier days, including a wonderful trip to Portugal. Later, with Anthony, the family made fond memories everywhere from Italy and France to California, Vancouver, Toronto, and Myrtle Beach.<br><br>Although the time he spent with his grandson Lorenzo was far too short, it was precious. Some of his happiest moments came during visits to the Cambridge residence in Pointe-Claire, where he lived. There, with little Lorenzo nearby, Paul would line up shots in the pool hall, and the two of them would head out to the putting green so Paul could practice his golf while Lorenzo chased after the balls. Sometimes they would simply sit together on the swinging chairs, and other times Paul would happily watch Lorenzo splash in the pool. We are deeply grateful that Paul had the chance to share these moments with his grandson. Those simple, joyful afternoons meant the world to him.<br><br>Those who knew Paul will remember his gift for storytelling and his infectious laughter, which had a way of filling a room and drawing everyone in. He was not a man who sought attention or accolades. His greatness was measured in the people he helped, the trust he kept, and the warmth he gave freely to everyone he met. He leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, kindness, and devotion to his family, his friends, and the community he served so faithfully. The room will be quieter now without his stories and his laughter, but the warmth he showed to so many will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know him. He will be deeply missed.</div>
