Francesco Garofalo, age ninety years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 in St. Joseph’s Hospice Unit with his family by his side.
Francesco was born on September 20, 1925 in Rogliano,Cosenza, Italy to Luigi Garofalo and Giuseppina Amato-Garofalo. On June 13, 1948 he married his beloved wife Anna, and they shared sixty-five years together. He served in the military as a member of the infantry in Pordenone, Italy.
Francesco worked throughout Italy and Greece in the construction of railway tunnels and aquaducts. In 1967 Francesco and Anna, along with their three children, immigrated to Port Arthur to join his brother Carmine and family, and to start a new life.
Francesco was employed by various construction companies in the region until his retirement.
Francesco was devoted to his family, and loved to tend to his garden, make wine and sausages, and take long walks. He was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends, and loved to socialize.
Francesco and Anna travelled back to Italy to revisit their birthplaces and reconnect with family and friends. A devoted member of St. Anthony’s Church, he faithfully attended Sunday mass until his illness prevented it. He was also a proud member of the Italian Society of Port Arthur.
Francesco is survived by his children: Pina Dezan, Luigi (Frances) Garofalo, and Carmelo (Sue) Garofalo; his grandchildren: Anna Maria (Jeff), Barbara (Tony), Giacobbe (Jessica), Chris (Angela), Ashley, Tristan and Simon, as well as his great-grandchildren: Ceyara, Avery, Krew, Viggo; Audrina, Isaac; Leo; and Luca.
Francesco was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Anna, parents Luigi and Giuseppina Garofalo, and son-in-law Carmelo DeZan. He was also predeceased by brother Carmine and sister-in-law Pierina Garofalo of Thunder Bay, brothers Giuseppe Garofalo, Silvio and sister-in-law Luisilda Garofalo, sister Assuntina Garofalo, and other relatives in Italy.
Funeral services for the late Francesco Garofalo will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 leaving Harbourview Funeral Centre at 9:00 a.m. to St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church for Mass at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening from 6pm to 8pm in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, with Vigil prayers offered at 8:00 pm.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Francesco.
