It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Gino on October 29, 2009 at 79 years of age. Loving husband of Leona after 54 years of marriage. Cherished father of Mark and Donna, Michael and Mary Ann, Gina, Paul and Dawn and Donna and John Renda. Loving and proud grandpa of Joseph and Daniel Renda, James and Natalie Fracas and Christina Fracas. Dear brother-in-law of Walter, Alf and George. Many loving cousins also survive in Canada and Italy. Gino was honored in 1983 by the Giovanni Caboto Club as the Italian of the Year. Gino Played football for Assumption High School in Windsor (1947-49), Western Mustangs (1951-54) where he was on the All-Star team in 3 of 4 years, leading Scorer in OQAA for 2 seasons and the Most Valuable Player in 1954. From there he moved on to the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League from (1955-62) and played both as fullback and linebacker. He was involved in 3 Grey Cup Games in 1955, 1956, 1960 winning 2 and losing 1. Gino was Co-Captain and Defensive signal caller in 1961 and 1962. After the Eskimos Gino became the Head Coach of University of Alberta Golden Bears (1963-66) and won 3 of 4 league championships. He coached the Bears to victory at the Golden Bowl vs. Queen's University in Edmonton (1963) and was involved in the first official College Bowl Game vs. University of Toronto in Toronto (1965). He decided to come home to Windsor and became the first Head Coach of University of Windsor Lancers (1968-86). At Windsor the Lancers were CClFC Champions (1969), OUAA Co-Champions (Yates Cup) in 1975. Gino was the Coach of the Year in West Section of the OUAA in 1976 and 1977. He was especially proud to be selected by Peers as Head Coach of CIAU All-Star Team which played in Second Annual Can-Am Bowl Game in Tampa, Florida (1979). He was an original member C.A.F.A Drawmaster Canadian Wrestling Championships in 1967 – 78 at the1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1978 Commonwealth and World Games. Gino served as Vice-President of the Canadian Football Coaches Association in 1969-70.Three awards have been named in his honour. A national award the CIS presents the Gino Fracas Award to the top volunteer assistant coach in university football. The University of Windsor began presenting the Gino Fracas Award to the outstanding Lancer coach-of-the-year in 1987. Last Year, the Lancer football team began the Gino Fracas Wall of Honour to remember the outstanding personnel to come through the program. "The Coach" is a member of six hall of fames including the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame, University of Windsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame and University of Western Ontario W Club Athletic Hall of Fame, The University of Alberta Wall of Fame the Alberta Hall of fame and Museum and the OUAA Football Legends Hall of Fame.Coach Fracas will always be loved and remembered for mentoring countless students and athletes for over 50 years. Gino will forever be known for his honesty and integrity he displayed all throughout his life. If you so desire donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Visiting Sunday 7-9pm and Monday 3-5 & 7-9 at Families First Funeral Home & Tribute Centre (519-969-5841) 3260 Dougall Ave. On Tuesday, family and friends are invited to meet at Assumption Church after 9:30am followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30am. Entombment to follow Heavenly Rest Cemetery.