Gerardo Iacobucci

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, husband, and Nonno, Gerardo Iacobucci on August 10, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Hospice at the age of 82.

Gerardo was born on March 23, 1939 in Avellino, Italy to Elena and Sabino Iacobucci. As a young man Gerardo served in the Italian Military stationed in Gorizia, Italy while the same time playing as a professional soccer player, the sport he loved dearly.

In 1962 Gerardo married the love of his life Maria, and in 1963 they welcomed their first child Sabino. Finding it hard to make a living with a young family (as professional players at that time did not get paid the money they do today) they both made the hard decision to leave Italy and move to a country of opportunity, Canada.

Like so many immigrants they made the journey leaving the port in Naples to set sail aboard the SS Cristoforo Colombo crossing the Atlantic Ocean and travelled for 7 days to Halifax, Nova Scotia. From there they boarded a train and travelled for another 3 days until they arrived in Port Arthur, Ontario. Not knowing the language, with little money and no job prospects, you could imagine the fear they felt.

During this time Gerardo worked several jobs. Over the next few years they both welcomed two more children Robert and Carla, their family was now complete. Gerardo landed a steady job working construction with Concrete Walls, as a carpenter where he retired in 1993. He was well respected, hardworking, and a loyal employee. He instilled work ethic in each of his children, and taught us to never to take anything that doesn’t belong to you, or for granted. If you wanted something you need to work hard to get it.
 
Gerardo’s main focus was always providing for his family, but he never lost the love of soccer. It was in his blood. In 1968 he helped form the local team Juventus and played with them for 2 months as their centre fieldsman. From there he went to play with Thunder Bay’s local team Italia for the following ten years where he was voted best player for each year. The love of this game was truly his passion. His favorite team was Napoli. He could be found at home with a remote in hand, shouting at the TV, with his head shaking and saying “you believe this?!”. Many who knew Gerardo knew him as “O Napulitan” (where his roots were from) or as “the Legend”.

Gerardo was all about his family and friends. He enjoyed preserving tomatoes, making wine and sausages, and of course making roasted peppers on his BBQ with Maria at his side directing him what to do.

In 2018 Gerardo was diagnosed with Cancer. As hard as it was for us to accept the news, he accepted it with grace and dignity. He fought until the very end with family always by his side. He was selfless and always saw the good in people, he would never judge anybody. He was always giving money and providing a helping hand to help anybody in need.

Gerardo was a long-time member of the Italian Cultural Centre, where he enjoyed playing Briscola, and having a glass of beer with dear friends in the club room. He was also a long-time member of Da Vinci Centre.

Gerardo will be forever missed by his wife of 59 years Maria, his children Sabino (Laurie), Robert (Theresa), Carla (Don). Also left to mourn are his grandchildren whom he loved the most; Daniella (Devin), Jerry, and Corey.

Gerardo was predeceased by his parents Elena & Sabino, brother Sabino, and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to the Para Med Palliative Care Team for their compassion, kindness, and excellent care that you provided our loved one. There are no words to express our utmost gratitude to all of you. Thank you to Dr Long, Dr Gupta, Dr Jordan (of Ottawa), Dr Ek, Dr Simpson, Dr Migay, Dr Ward, Dr. Kolobov and Arpana your support meant the world to us. Also, a huge thank you to all the nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. The care and compassion you provided for our loved one will never be forgotten.

Visitation for family and friends will be held in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Sunday, August 15, 2021 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Services for Gerardo will be held in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Monday, August 16th, 2021 presided by Fr. Marco Ladao at 12:00 Noon. A private family entombment will follow. Due to current gathering restrictions, space is limited. Please call the funeral home at 346-9880 if you wish to attend the Funeral Service.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed live and then archived at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered as well.

As directed by the Province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a record of attendance must be maintained. Wearing of masks or face coverings by everyone and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet is mandatory for those attending the visitation and services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerardo’s memory to TBRHSC or to a charity of your choice.