Sadly we announce the passing of our father Gregorio Bava. He died peacefully in hospital with his children by his side.
He was predeceased by his wife Domenica (2015), his sister Nicolina (2005), his father Francesco (1968) here in Canada, and other family members in Italy. He leaves behind his daughters Rose (Enzo), Cathy (Neil), and his sons Frank & Cosimo. He had 3 grandchildren, Sabrina (David), Lisa & Daniel (Kelly) and 5 great grandchildren; Anistasia, Miguel, Matteo, Mason & Dante. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as other family here and in Italy.
Gregorio left Brognaturo, Catanzaro to make a better life for his family. He came to Canada in 1951 and made his way to Port Arthur, Ontario. Here he began by doing work that was familiar to him and landed felling trees in the bush, living in logging camps during the week and returning home to us on the weekend. He also worked as a labourer in many different fields; paving roads, working on bridges and more.
In the 70’s, he bought Jumbo Garden Confectionery Store from his sister and brother in law Nicky & Mike Garofalo. This sparked his entrepreneurial side and soon the store became Columbus Pizza Restaurant. Then he went on to open Garibaldi Pizza at Intercity Mall.
He retired in the 80’s and turned his focus to his grandchildren, great grandchildren and gardening. In his retirement he returned to the Italian Hall, where he was an honorary member, for the occasional card game.
Until the very end, you could find him in the yard preparing it for it’s summer bounty.
Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, May 25th at 11:00 a.m. at St Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Interment will follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Tuesday evening from 5:30pm until 7:30 p.m.
