Life of local footy legend Frank Fopiani remembered in funeral service

The life of local footy icon Frank Fopiani has been remembered at a funeral service, with his son Connor speaking glowingly about his father.

Frank Fopiani passed away last week. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Geelong local footy legend Frank Fopiani has been honoured by family and friends at a funeral service on Wednesday.

Fopiani tragically passed away last Monday from colorectal cancer just two months after being diagnosed.

His son Connor spoke about glowingly about his father, a loving family member who “touched the hearts of everyone he met with his love, kindness and generous spirit and joyous nature.”

Connor said it didn’t take long for him and his sister Paige to learn of his love for sport.

“He would often share memories of his past sporting achievements, which even included dominating his siblings and friends in backyard cricket and footy,” Connor said.

“Our fondest memories would always be waiting for dad to come home each day so that we could go for kicks – dad would always let Paige win though.

“Throughout the years we were lucky enough to watch him play footy and as we got older we learned just how good he really was.”

Affectionately known as ‘The Fop’ during his playing career, Fopiani was voted by the Geelong Advertiser as the best player of all-time in the Geelong Football Netball League.

He won seven premierships with North Shore and one with St Mary’s, winning three best-on-ground medals in grand finals.

His No.4 St Mary’s guernsey was laid out on his coffin along with a wedding photo with wife, Sylvia, and another picture of him with his two children.

Fopiani coached Connor through the grades at Newtown & Chillwell.

Connor Fopiani and Frank back in 2021. Picture: Alison Wynd

“He had an incredible ability to bring people together through sport, and I was lucky enough to have him as my own mentor and coach,” Connor said.

“He was there every step of the way, never missed a game and any question I ever had he has was there to guide to me be not only a better player, but person.”

Connor said their daily lives will never be the same after the death of their father, but noone will ever forget him.

“Mum and Dad’s love was pure and everlasting, and her heart will be his forever. They are true soulmates, and she will always be grateful for the life they shared together,” Connor said.

“Every single friend, every single family member and every single acquaintance will have their own special memories they shared with dad that they will cherish and remember always.

“Dad left a special mark in everyone’s lives that will never be forgotten.

Connor closed his touching tribute with a phrase that has been synonymous with Fopiani.

“This is not goodbye, this is just see you later. We love you more than words can say: ‘Can’t Stop the Fop’,” he said.

Originally published as Life of local footy legend Frank Fopiani remembered in funeral service