Mr. Izidoro Borgo, age 83 years and Mrs. Maria Borgo (nee Petricig), age 81 years, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 9, 2015 in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Izidoro was born in Northern Italy, an area which was annexed by Yugoslavia following WW2.
He immigrated to Canada in 1951 from Italy where he and his family spent several years living in a refugee camp, after fleeing the communist Yugoslavia. Upon arriving in Canada he worked at several jobs from Halifax to Quebec until settling in Port Arthur working in the Forestry sector and subsequently accepting employment with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in 1966 where he worked until his retirement.
Izidoro loved music and was also a talented accordion player who was a member multiple bands in the 60's and early 70's and who could be found playing at local events, bars and weddings every weekend. Izidoro was active in the community and a long time member of St. Margaret's Church, the Italian Cultural Centre, the Da Vinci Centre, the Alpini Association and former member of Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge No.947.
Maria was born in Pulfero-Buttera, Italy. She immigrated to Canada in 1958. Maria was employed in the laundry at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital until her retirement. She was an active and long time member of St Margaret's Church, the Ladies Venet Society and the Catholic Women's League. She volunteered and donated her time to canvas for numerous charities and as a friendly visitor to the sick and infirm in hospital. Maria loved to spend time working in her gardens both at home and at the cottage.
Izidoro and Maria were married on May 29, 1958, recently celebrating 57 years of marriage. They loved to spend time socializing with their family and friends both in town and at their cottage. They especially loved to spend time with their grandchildren and celebrated each milestone with joy and pride.
They are survived by their children Rose-Marie Farwell (Richard) and Jo-Anne Borgo (David Battistel); grandchildren Jennifer Farwell, Ethan and Noah Battistel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, USA and Italy.
Izidoro is survived by his brothers Augusto Borgo (Teresa) Thunder Bay, Mario Borgo (Angie) California, his sisters Albina Cernoia and Maria Freschi, Italy. He was predeceased by his parents Eugenio and Maria (Kaucic) Borgo, siblings Albert Borgo, Antonio Borgo, Marta Zuber, Luciana Luretig, two sisters and one brother in infancy.
Maria is survived by her sisters Guiseppina (Ezio) Domenis; Thunder Bay, Angelina and Valentina Petricig; Italy. She was predeceased by her parents Bruno and Maria-Dorina (Marseu) Petricig, siblings Desiderio Petricig, Luigi (Alma Gusola) Petricig and Lucio Petricig who died in infancy.
Funeral services for Izidoro and Maria Borgo will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015 with family and friends gathering in St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM, celebrated by Father Ciaran Donnelly and Father James Panikulam. Private entombment will follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum at St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation will be held after 6:00 PM. on Thursday evening in the Church with Vigil Prayers offered at 7:00 PM.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Catholic School Board Awards Trust Fund in memory of Izidoro and Maria Borgo.
