It is with the deepest sadness that we say goodbye to Albert Vignuda, devoted brother of Betty Vignuda and the most caring of uncles to Cheryl Lysak (Bob), Margaret Harris, Thomas Vignuda (Angel Colosimo) and Peter Vignuda (Geraldine). Albert passed away quietly in Thunder Bay on February 22, 2024 at the age of 84 and following a year-long decline in health.
Albert was a hardworking, much-respected plumbing and heating contractor for many decades in Thunder Bay, mentoring and supporting his apprentices and demonstrating every day his professional values and high standards as he proudly conducted his trade. Albert could be called upon in any emergency, contributing a lot of free work over the years for those who were seeing tough times, keeping their water flowing and their furnaces on. Albert was a man of integrity, fairness and a deep work ethic, a man with a mischievous smile and a gentle and kind soul always lurking behind that strong exterior (you could verify that with his pets, who were spoiled, loved and...well, spoiled).
Albert was an intelligent and curious man who followed and cared about world events, local politics and the people in his neighbourhood. He could be counted on for anything and you needed only to ask.
We can't talk about Albert without some high praise for his gardens and cooking. The plums were the best anyone had ever tasted (of course), the grapes plentiful and sweet, the lettuce, beans and tomatoes were all over the place and he knew just what to do with all that come harvest time. The house on Frederica Street was filled with the best aromas and when you dropped by you'd better be hungry or have room in the car because he was a wonderful host who was always happy to share.
Albert followed hockey at many levels and had made his own contribution to the game as a Bantam coach, putting on the skates now and then to show off and carrying that love over to playing in Oldtimers games earning the nickname, "Pocket Rocket." He knew all the scores and there wasn't much he couldn't tell you about the evolution of the sport and its players in Thunder Bay.
Albert was predeceased by his parents (Francesco and Rosa), his brother Peter (Margaret, also deceased) and his nephew Peter Franklin.
Rest in peace, Albert: you gave us love, a wonderful role model and a ton of fun and support. Our memories live on and you are --and always will be-- in a very special place in our hearts.
At Albert's request, there will be no service and a private family gathering will follow with all the second- and third-generation nephews and nieces who made him smile so broadly.
Donations made to the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society, in Albert's memory, would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
