AIELLO- It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Baldino Aiello on February 21, 2018 surrounded by his family at Pioneer Ridge. Born October 3rd, 1933 in Cleto, prov. Cosenza Italy. Baldino immigrated to Canada in 1956 and started his new life working various jobs including working for the railway, Domtar bush camps and United Grain Growers until his retirement.
In 1960 Baldino was enchanted by a beautiful young girl named Annunciata (Nancy) Tropea and fought many suitors for her affection and attention. In 1961 they wed and soon after began a family and their new life together. Daughter Lucie was born in 1962 followed by son Antonio who was lost in early infancy then son Albert in 1966. Together with wife Nancy they were blessed with 5 grandchildren and three great Grandchildren all of which he was very proud of and spoiled endlessly.
His passion for the Italian Society of Port Arthur (Italian Hall) was well known. He served for over 55years actively and mainly on the Executive as the Sentinel; a seat which he never lost in an election. Otherwise known as his second home, you could always find Baldino at the hall, roaming inside and out, playing cards or sleeping in the club room or securing the grounds during the Festa or any other cultural event. He was true believer in the Italian culture and the importance of preserving it, passing it along and promoting it within the community.
Baldino was an avid sports fan involved for many years with local soccer and hockey teams. Involved with the Italia Soccer Club as a manager in the early years and most recent with the Thunder Bay Chill Soccer Club. He boasted that he was the #1 ticket seller for the annual Chill Dinner. There was never a dull meeting when Baldino was present sharing his thoughts. Baldino’s love of hockey came through his close relationship with his friend Albert Cava. He was a staple fixture at the Gardens at Thunder Bay Twins games and a founding partner of the Thunder Bay Flyers Hockey Club. One could hear him selling 50/50 tickets and his iconic “Geta Hotta Gang” cheer was a fan favorite and still echoes in the Gardens today. He made great memories and stories he loved to share about his adventures with the many teams he followed especially on the road. In his younger days Baldino was a boxer with a reputation as one hell of a tough SOB.
When not at the Hall, Baldino enjoyed family dinners which he always over shopped for as if army was coming over. He loved to garden and make his wine and soppressata which he always loved to share and brag about. He always believed that no one should be hungry. Playing with the grandkids and giving them money was a true enjoyment for him. Singing his made up songs always made the kids laugh. In Italy where he traveled regularly, he always felt at peace sleeping under an olive tree or on the beach. He was a member of the Canada Games Complex since it opened and won the annual best attendance record several times. He loved to swim, sauna and sing for all the friends he made there over the years.
Baldino is survived by his wife Nancy , Daughter Lucie Vecchio (Sesto) Son Albert (Lee) Grandchildren Annalisa Shorrock (Sean), Michael Vecchio (Kayla), Dianna Vecchio –Scarfo (Cody), Sabrina Aiello and Baldino Aiello Jr. Great Grandchildren Arianna Shorrock and Sebastian Shorrock. Sister Lilliana Vairo (Orlando) in Italy. Sisters-in-law Antonietta Aiello, Elena Decicco (Frank), Assunta Campigotto, Angela Aiello (Pittsburgh), and Christina Aiello (Italy) Brothers-in-law Sam Tropea, Luigi Tropea (Rosetta), Franko Cannata (Italy) as well as by numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, USA and Italy.
Predeceased by his parents Pietro & Rosina Aiello, Son Antonio, Brothers Antonio, Alessandro and Dino and Sister Olinda Cannata (Italy) Brother & sister in law Aldo & Olga Tropea, Great grandchild Annabella Shorrock
Special thanks to Frank Decicco for the countless daily rides to Pioneer Ridge, Staff on Plaza 4 at Pioneer Ridge for the exceptional care he received and genuine caring over the past 4 1/2 years. You are all very special people.
Funeral Services for Baldino Aiello will be held Monday February 26th when family and friends will gather in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church for the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00am. Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday February 25th from 2-4pm with prayer service at 4pm in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay or the Alzheimer’s Society of Thunder Bay. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Baldino Aiello, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.