It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frank, on Thursday, March 12th, 2026, in the Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous 7-year battle with cancer. Frank was born in Sydney and was the son of Harold and Muriel (MacKinley) Fillmore.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Michelle (DeCoste) of 34 years, who remained by his side until the very end. Frank is also survived by his son and best friend, Adam (Jessie) and his cherished grandchildren, Gracie and Jaxon. They brought so much joy and sunshine to his life during his illness.

Frank was a carpenter by trade but really could turn a hand to anything. He was proud of each and every home he built over his 25 years working with Lakeside Builders and lastly with Plaid River Builders. He was proudest to have been able to build his son Adam’s new home just 1 year ago. Frank was an avid hunter and fisherman his whole life and spent many hours on the Mira River with Adam searching out the “honey holes” as he called them. He loved to garden along with Michelle and took such pride in the property. He always had a smile when someone stopped to tell him how nice it looked. If you were lucky enough to have Frank as a friend, you had one for life. He never spoke a bad word about anyone and if you ever confided a secret, he took it with him. He was blessed to have had many childhood friends he carried on into his adult life. They were always there for him and his family.

Frank will be forever cherished by his siblings; Greg (Susan) Fillmore, Huntsville, ON, Embert (Lynn) Fillmore, Marion Bridge, Dorothy (Joseph) MacLellan, Grand Mira North, and Joyce Fillmore, Sydney, with whom he shared a lifetime of laughter, support and love.

Frank also shared a special bond with Michelle’s family and will be lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law, Kaye MacNeil (David duChene); and his sister-in-law, Carolyn (Darren) Marsh. He held a special place in his heart for his 10 nieces and nephews and several grandnieces and nephews who brought him much joy over the years. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Rick Chisholm.

In addition to his parents, Frank was predeceased by a brother and sister in infancy, and his sister, Beth Chisholm-Fillmore, on March 14th, 2026. He was also predeceased by a brother-in-law, Myles MacIntosh, father-in law, Donnie MacNeil and Michelle’s grandmother, Mary Daley (Nan).

Cremation has taken place under the care of T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney. In honor of Frank’s wishes, there will be no visitation, a family Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Donations in Frank’s name can be made to the “Tom MacNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund.”

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.