Obituary for Giovanni Carchidi
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Giovanni Carchidi on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at the age of 89, peacefully with his family by his side.
Giovanni was born in Serra San Bruno, Italy on June 24, 1932 growing-up with his 8 siblings. He married his childhood sweetheart, Giuseppina, on March 22, 1953 and together they immigrated to Canada in pursuit of work and a better life. Giovanni came first in 1959 to prepare for the arrival of his wife and two young children who joined him a year later, settling in Port Arthur, Ontario. In the early years, they nurtured a sense of community among the numerous Italian immigrant families – creating friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Giovanni loved being with friends, relatives, and family, and he was blessed to have so many. Their home on Cornwall Avenue was always open to family and friends, who often popped in for a quick “hello” “buongiorno” and ended up staying for the laughs, conversation and latest homecooked treat. It was never the wrong time for a cup of coffee, glass of homemade wine or shot of brandy. In the summertime, Giovanni would entertain and show off his garden in the backyard. During the colder months, company could be found huddled around the kitchen table playing a lively round of cards.
Giovanni worked extremely hard in labourer jobs over the years. Yet, after a long workday, would still have enough energy to help others, be it with home repairs or yard work – he was always offering a helping hand. People were naturally drawn to his humbleness and goodness. Giovanni was loved by many.
Giovanni also took pleasure in his hobbies. Making wine was a yearly tradition and passion, along with making tomato sauce, olives, and soppressata. He also treasured time spent with Giuseppina in the backyard caring for their garden.
He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his children Sal (Brenda), Delores (Warren), Rita (Joey) and Bruno (Myra), as well as by his grandchildren Sal (Heather), Michael (Stacey), Ethan, Amina, Naomi Rose, and Chiara, and by his great grandchildren Emily, Hunter, Will and Isabella.
He is also survived by his brother Vincenzo Carchidi, his nephew Raffaele Belcamino (Lena) and his sister-in-law Caterina Carchidi (the late Vito), Cosma Tropiano (the late Nicola), and Rosetta Monteleone (Raffaele). He is predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Giuseppina Carchidi, and by two of his children Raffaele and Rosetta; by his parents Raffaele and Rosa Carchidi, brothers Nicola, Antonio and Vito, and sisters Concetta, Assunta, Vincenza and Bettina; and by his nephew Biagio Belcamino (Teresa). Giovanni was blessed to have so many other loving friends and relatives.
A funeral service to celebrate Giovanni's life will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church. The mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to attend are asked to register on Giovanni’s page at www.sargentandson.com or call the funeral home 345-5351. Those wishing to watch the service virtually may do so at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u8RMFD4ddE . Due to the current pandemic conditions, no open visitation or vigil service will be held. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Giovanni's name to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay or to St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
Giovanni was born in Serra San Bruno, Italy on June 24, 1932 growing-up with his 8 siblings. He married his childhood sweetheart, Giuseppina, on March 22, 1953 and together they immigrated to Canada in pursuit of work and a better life. Giovanni came first in 1959 to prepare for the arrival of his wife and two young children who joined him a year later, settling in Port Arthur, Ontario. In the early years, they nurtured a sense of community among the numerous Italian immigrant families – creating friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Giovanni loved being with friends, relatives, and family, and he was blessed to have so many. Their home on Cornwall Avenue was always open to family and friends, who often popped in for a quick “hello” “buongiorno” and ended up staying for the laughs, conversation and latest homecooked treat. It was never the wrong time for a cup of coffee, glass of homemade wine or shot of brandy. In the summertime, Giovanni would entertain and show off his garden in the backyard. During the colder months, company could be found huddled around the kitchen table playing a lively round of cards.
Giovanni worked extremely hard in labourer jobs over the years. Yet, after a long workday, would still have enough energy to help others, be it with home repairs or yard work – he was always offering a helping hand. People were naturally drawn to his humbleness and goodness. Giovanni was loved by many.
Giovanni also took pleasure in his hobbies. Making wine was a yearly tradition and passion, along with making tomato sauce, olives, and soppressata. He also treasured time spent with Giuseppina in the backyard caring for their garden.
He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his children Sal (Brenda), Delores (Warren), Rita (Joey) and Bruno (Myra), as well as by his grandchildren Sal (Heather), Michael (Stacey), Ethan, Amina, Naomi Rose, and Chiara, and by his great grandchildren Emily, Hunter, Will and Isabella.
He is also survived by his brother Vincenzo Carchidi, his nephew Raffaele Belcamino (Lena) and his sister-in-law Caterina Carchidi (the late Vito), Cosma Tropiano (the late Nicola), and Rosetta Monteleone (Raffaele). He is predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Giuseppina Carchidi, and by two of his children Raffaele and Rosetta; by his parents Raffaele and Rosa Carchidi, brothers Nicola, Antonio and Vito, and sisters Concetta, Assunta, Vincenza and Bettina; and by his nephew Biagio Belcamino (Teresa). Giovanni was blessed to have so many other loving friends and relatives.
A funeral service to celebrate Giovanni's life will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church. The mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to attend are asked to register on Giovanni’s page at www.sargentandson.com or call the funeral home 345-5351. Those wishing to watch the service virtually may do so at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u8RMFD4ddE . Due to the current pandemic conditions, no open visitation or vigil service will be held. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Giovanni's name to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay or to St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.