Franco Grosso Lane

Comments

#1

I'm signing because I believe my Father made living in Toronto a better place and brought joy to people with his Popcorn cart

Sam Grosso (Carrying Place, 2022-12-15)

#3

part of my youth going to the Gardens and the Museum as well as part of downtown history

Wallace Bridges (Toronto, 2022-12-15)

#4

I remember seeing Franco all around the city - particularly in Kensington Market and in front of the ROM - when I was growing up. I even sketched him once as part of a high school art assignment (alas, that sketch no longer exists). I can't think of anyone more representative of the city, and more deserving of having his name enshrined on one of its laneways!

Paul Fox (Toronto, 2022-12-15)

#6

The good vibes and positivity that Franco put out should be remembered

Topher Stott (Toronto, 2022-12-15)

#8

great memories of old Toronto

pat bisset (toronto, 2022-12-15)

#10

I am signing because Franco was a big part of my history visiting with Toronto. Someone as special like him should be remembered in someway and I think a street name is a wonderful way. Please help make this happen.

Donna Nicholson (Frankford , 2022-12-15)

#11

I believe this individual exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit in my city: hardworking, diplomatic and dignified. A statue might be more appropriate.

Michael Clifton (Toronto , 2022-12-15)

#12

I'm signing this petition because I lived in Little Italy for most of my adult life and my son still lives there. I remember Frank Grosso well. I made a documentary film about the neighbourhood called Il Giardino, The Gardens of Little Italy. I feel that it is imperative that we record the memory of Toronto Italians who brought so much soul to our city. Franco is one of these people.

Karen Shenfeld (Magnetawan, 2022-12-15)

#14

A most deserving dedication

Marty Smith (Toronto, 2022-12-15)

#15

Memories.

Michael Smith (Toronto, 2022-12-15)

#16

Grosso was an important community leader and builder. His name should be part of the map.

Perry Gladstone (Toronto, 2022-12-15)

#18

Francesco Grosso was a Toronto staple for many years!!!

Jay Bryl (Toronto , 2022-12-15)

#22

Franco was a Toronto institution for so many generations!

Al Rose (Toronto, 2022-12-15)

#24

Naming a Toronto laneway in Little Italy after Italian/Canadian Franco Grosso would be a great way to recognize an iconic Torontonian.

Janet Manzo (Toronto, 2022-12-15)

#26

Family members are friends of mine. I believe what made Toronto great should be rewarded accordingly. Franco Grosso in his way was a great tribute to the city.

John Zandbergen (Belleville, 2022-12-15)

#30

We saw Mr. Grosso all over the streets of Toronto for decades. Living on Palmerston in the 80's we frequently said hello to him as he walked his cart down our street. What a wonderful guy he was.

Wendy Harrison (Toronto, 2022-12-15)

#35

Sam asked

Christopher Rendell (Scarborough, 2022-12-16)

#38

Franco Grosso was a cultural icon in this city. He was full of spirit, laughter and love. He was very much part of my childhood, and countless others. He was a creative soul that raised an entire family through his innovative way of earning a living. Now that he has departed and left a huge void in this city, he should be memorialized with a street sign as a token of appreciation for his contribution to this city's multicultural scape. May he rest in peace and let his legacy live on!

Roberto Philipp (Toronto, 2022-12-16)

#40

I knew Mr. Grosso. Everyone in Kensington loved him. No one deserves it more than he does.

Mary Fish (Toronto, 2022-12-16)

#44

I think this man deserves one!

Joe Vieira (Pickering , 2022-12-16)

#45

I believe it deserves it!

Roberto Lorenzoni (Toronto , 2022-12-16)

#47

I remember seeing him at The Santa Clause parade as a child...what a beautiful tribute for him.

Tanya Costa (York, 2022-12-16)

#55

Franco was my neighbour on Palmerston Ave in Toronto. But before I lived on Palmerston I knew him from Kensington Mkt and Blood St and all around that fabulous neighbourhood. He had an amazing garden and was always offering peppers and basil...he grew the best basil...and tomatoes. Everyone knew Franco and his cat Valentina. He'd always be working on his garden or napping on his porch. We all loved him and he had a hello for everyone. He deserves this honour!!

Carol Keates (Toronto, 2022-12-16)

#57

Franco was a staple of good old days and real values and family importance.
Someone please turn back the time when things were just simple and hard at the same time. Now it’s just complicated and hard. Well deserved..

Mark Correia (Innisfil, 2022-12-16)

#58

I worked at the ROM for over 20 years and Franco was a fixture there. We had many conversations over the years, my Nonna was from southern Italy (Pisticci). Also when I was younger my father and I would buy chestnuts from Franco's cart.

Lisa Campbell Fanuzzi (Etobicoke , 2022-12-16)

#63

I love Toronto.

André Tellier (Toronto, 2022-12-16)

#64

He is my Dad and was a big part of GTA

Bruna Patykewich (Mississauga Ontario, 2022-12-16)

#65

A legend deserves to be recognized by this fair city.

Dano Villano (Toronto , 2022-12-16)

#72

He's a Legend and piece of Toronto history

Bruce Eaton (Meaford , 2022-12-16)

#78

Franco should be celebrated as an immigrant success story & community builder.

Shirley Van Steen (Carrying Place, 2022-12-16)

#84

I’m signing because Franco was a big part of my memories of Toronto… winter, parades, ANY event worth attending and celebrating, there he was… and I ALWAYS went to his cart for delicious treats, stories… memories… I’ve known his son Sam through The Cadillac Lounge, and I can see where he gets his charm… this would be a wonderful tribute to a man who left his mark on so many people’s hearts and memories…

Jeff Mowatt (Southampton, 2022-12-16)

#85

Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet Franco Grosso as an adult but, I do know my Dad would visit his cart at the Exibition and the museum in Toronto when I was a kid and buy something special for my brothers and I.

He impacted an unknown number of families who visited his cart and most importantly to me he chose Toronto as his home to raise his wonderful family.

I absolutely support this petition for the lane way whole heartedly! 🙏

Susan Purcell (Toronto, 2022-12-16)

#87

I remember as a kid I bought roasted chestnuts from Franco.

Christopher Tyrrell (Toronto, 2022-12-16)

#88

The gentleman was an inspiration to his family, friends and community. He definitely is the man, myth and a legend.

Paul Mercier (Mississauga , 2022-12-16)

#89

He deserves it. Icon for many years.

George Vitto (Toronto, 2022-12-16)

#91

Franco was hard working with such an outgoing character. A figure and well known in the community. Franco served the neighbourhood for decades spreading joy and cheer to every customer and dedicated repeat customers built into friendships. Without out the automation of Technology and the internet back then . Franco pounding the pavement day after day his following increased over the years .

Such character is far and few between as times change. An old craft among street vendors of yesterday quickly disappearing. With the ever changing by laws and permits has changed. Its all about the all mighty dollar now.

Franco is greatly missed and well deserving of such a wonderful gesture and to set his name on a street to hold the memories in the history to all who knew him.

Paul Lindsay (Cherry Valley , 2022-12-16)

#92

I believe.

Antony Pipilas (Toronto, 2022-12-16)

#93

It's the right thing to do

Michael O’Grady (Toronto , 2022-12-16)

#95

I knew this man as a child. As a adult I met one of his sons and his family through hockey. He was a wonderful man as so beautifully written above. I support this 100%.

Karen Danilko (Campden, Ontario, 2022-12-16)

#98

He was a great guy!!!
Still can taste the popcorn. And the chestnuts too!

Salvatore Indigo (Toronto , 2022-12-16)

#100

Mr Grosso, THE popcorn man was an icon in the city! We lived on the same street, and it is only befitting this gentle man to have this small acknowledgement, for the history and service he provided Toronto.

Lydia Melo (Toronto, 2022-12-16)

#102

because love always wins.

Craig McWade (Toronto, 2022-12-16)

#103

I was lucky enough to meet Franco but the truth is, I probably knew him before I met him...when I visited the ROM or when my dad took me to see a Leafs' game at the Gardens. Franco embodies the spirit of Toronto; hard work, family and a smile that would light up the streets.

Gordon Hunter (Kingston, 2022-12-16)

#106

Childhood memories with my mom in town for a day meeting my dad at work. Such a lovely idea to commemorate an everyday hero in so many minds instead of a "celebrity" status individual. Would do us all a world of good and definitely deserved!

Sunnie Napoli (Hamilton, 2022-12-16)

#110

My Dad Franco pulled that wagon through that lane way in rain , sleet and snow to provide for his family he was loved in the neighbourhood .
He told me that if you do something you love for a living it’s not really work , these are words I live by everyday . My Dad’s charismatic personality was second to none, if it wasn’t his bird whistle it was the way he smiled through his eyes that attracted his customers to his wagon and always made sure they left with a smile as well .

Mike grosso (Etobicoke, 2022-12-17)

#111

Mr. Grosso coming with so many childhood memories. Everyone at the Portuguese festival loved him ❤️

ROSA MACDOUGALL (Mississauga , 2022-12-17)

#112

I remember Mr Grosso when I was young. He is part of our history which shouldn't be forgotten, this is a great way to honor him

Eddie Klaudusz (Toronto , 2022-12-17)

#113

He is a legend. Period!

David Rotella (Niagara falls, 2022-12-17)

#123

I remember his cart as a child, wanting a balloon!

Meg Orlinski (Hampton, 2022-12-17)

#127

This man was an institution in the market. He was a symbol of Canadian values and what it means to be a true entrepreneur.

Kelly Mulvey (Toronto, 2022-12-17)

#130

Because I remember Franco. He made me smile and his cart was magical.

Toby Davidson (Toronto , 2022-12-17)

#135

I was a street vendor, and this recognizes someone who was for a lot longer than me. He truly was a character. I like the idea of this it’s simple. Why not?

Christopher Crumb (Toronto, 2022-12-17)

#139

My father in law was an iconic person in Toronto for decades. He represents a period in time in Toronto that was simpler and while his journey to Canada from Italy was not an easy one he like many immigrants worked incredibly hard, at a humble occupation that brought joy to such a vast portion of the population of Toronto. His greatest pleasure in life was bringing a smile to faces of children with his bird whistle, seeing the faces of folks who try a roasted chestnut for the first time and teaching his children the value of work and how to earn a dollar. Franco Grosso was an incredible respected man by many in Toronto but I think the most important reason why he should have the alley named after him is because he is a wonderful example of the incredible gifts that come with new Canadians, the inherent value of family and hard work which is the best image this country can hope to imagine of itself.

Lia Grosso (Carrying Place, 2022-12-17)

#142

Simply put. He will always be a part of the spirit and history of festivals held in the downtown core.

Gil Resendes (Toronto, 2022-12-17)

#143

Franco was an amazing person in our city.

Gilda Greer (Toronto , 2022-12-17)

#144

I used to see Sam’s Dad outside of the ROM Lo g before I knew he was Sam’s Dad. He was lively and a part of the very fabric of this city’s history. Give the man a lane!

Michelle Rumball (Toronto, 2022-12-17)

#146

He represented everything that was good about Italian imagrants who came here and made a Great life for their Family throughout hard work and determination!!! He was a Great man and should be honoured ❤️

Gianni Mazzei (Mississauga , 2022-12-17)

#148

I am signing this because Mr Grosso was a Hard working man and a big part of the Toronto Community and of a lot of peoples Childhoods at Festivals, The Santa Claus Parade etc. I think this is deserving.

David Hutchinson (Elliot Lake, 2022-12-17)

#149

I’m signing because Franco Grosso is a very special Toronto icon.

Helen Winters (Toronto, 2022-12-17)

#152

Franco Grosso is a Toronto legend!!!
I love this.

Shawn Creamer (Toronto, 2022-12-17)

#159

I love Sam - a great friend

Joe Myers (Burlington , 2022-12-17)

#162

I’m signing because I remember Franco and his cart from my trips to the ROM and Chinatown with my Dad before he died in 1984. Franco is a huge part of Toronto history.

Shannon Duffy Fanjoy (Hamilton, 2022-12-17)

#164

People like Franco Grosso made Toronto the multicultural place to live and work in.

Marta Rooz (North York, 2022-12-17)

#167

As a child I was so excited to c him and get some popcorn and if I was lucky a plastic animal

Linda Ingram (Picjering, 2022-12-17)

#170

I am signing this because I am a life long resident of Toronto. I am almost seventy years of age and do not want to leave this city. Mr. Gross Sr. was a humongous part of why we were Toronto The Good. Share some gratitude, share some good will, share a smile, share a song, open a door for someone, give someone a hug. Boy wouldn't it be nice if that popcorn cart could be back in front of a Bloor Street movie house.

Rick Pritchard (Toronto, 2022-12-17)

#171

The Man is a Bonified ICON of Toronto, Not to mention a TEACHER, A Scholar. One of a kind Entrepreneur/Businessman/Family Man/FatherFigure/and FRIENDLY TO ALL HE ENCOUNTERED.
WARMEST MEMORIES GREATEST RESPECT .
Chestnuts 🌰 Popcorn 🍿 Toys 🧸 sweets 🍭 Bird calls on Wheels. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Mr G ❤️☝🏽

Stacey Turner (Toronto , 2022-12-18)

#174

As a child my dad would buy peanuts for himself and popcorn for me me. Franco always gave me extra butter that would make me smile. he always squeezed my cheeks . i looked forward when he came around

Barbara Mcgowan (Ailsa Craig, 2022-12-18)

#175

Franco was legendary.

Michael Tomasek (Peterborough, 2022-12-18)

#176

We used to buy roasted chestnuts from him outside the Romand had many conversations. He was an icon.

Kristine Kane (Mississauga, 2022-12-18)

#180

This man is forever in Toronto's memory. Let's make it official!

MJ Masterson (Toronto , 2022-12-18)

#183

I am signing because I believe it would be truly a great way to celebrate the contribution of a simple immigrant who gave so much to the culture of Toronto heritage.

Leslie Silvestri (Mississauga, 2022-12-18)

#188

Franco was a staple in our neighborhood. We would see him on Dundas Street and College Street. The nicest and most friendly man. Our local celebrity. Grat family man and husband .

Paula Costa (Mississauga, 2022-12-18)

#189

Franco was a big part of this City and he mad a difference in many lives

Nathan Grosso (Etobicoke , 2022-12-18)

#190

I met him as a younger boy entering the exhibition. He always showed kindness and generosity towards myself and others. He was an icon at the exhibition. I believe he left a positive impact on all of those who crossed his path. This would be a great honour for a great man.

Aldo Isidori (York, 2022-12-18)

#192

He deserves this!

Sara Tessier (Sault Ste Marie, 2022-12-18)

#193

Franco Grosso brought joy to my friends who loved on Palmerston. He made the city a better place and brought the intricate beauty of daily life to a city that sorely needed it. Let's say, as a city, "Grazie tantissimo, Signore Grosso."

Andy Patton (Toronto, 2022-12-19)

#196

He was a great man and left a huge impact on everyone he ever interacted with.

Nick Medeiros (Halifax , 2022-12-19)



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