Mario Fazzari

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Mario Fazzari announce his peaceful passing on Thursday, September 7, 2017, at the age of 87, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. His loving family was by his side after a brief battle with cancer.

Mario was born on April 3, 1930 in Serra Pedace, Cosenza, Italy. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 in search of a better life. He worked at various jobs, doing construction and eventually became employed with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool until his retirement in 1990. He married the love of his life Velia Pupo on July 18, 1959. They settled in Port Arthur and had two children. Mario was a family man and his pride and joy were his grandchildren and great grandson.

Mario was always there to lend a helping hand in any way he could which garnered him a family nickname “Mr. Fix-It”. His favourite time of year was Fall which meant the making of the wine and pasta sauce. Mario was a talented artist and it wasn’t until his retirement that he was able to reacquaint himself with his favourite pastime, his passion for oil painting. His art may be seen in many homes and businesses within the city. He looked forward to showcasing his art at the Festa Italiana every summer which celebrated his Italian culture and heritage. Mario could at many times be found on his deck or in his sunroom, enjoying his wife’s company and sipping on espresso.

Mario is survived by his loving wife Velia to whom he just recently celebrated 58 years of marriage, his daughter Teresa (Angelo) Foglia, son Anthony (Julie), his five grandchildren Anthony (Samantha), Jordan (Lindsay), and Cassandra Foglia, Marissa and Nicholas Fazzari and great grandson Jacob Foglia. He is also survived by his brother Gennaro and other relatives in Canada, Italy and the United States.

Mario was predeceased by his parents, Alessandro and Teresina Fazzari, father-in-law and mother-in-law Domenico and Teresina Pupo, brothers Francesco, Alfredo, sister and brother-in-law Rosaria and Attilio Scarcello, sister Lina Fazzari, and infant sister Marisa.

A special heartfelt thank you to the staff of Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and the incredible hospice staff at St. Joseph’s for their compassionate care.

Funeral services for the late Mario Fazzari will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2017 leaving the Sargent & Son Funeral Home at 9:15 am to St. Margaret’s Church for Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00 am, celebrated by Rev. Ciaran Donnelly. A private entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Chapel of the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with Vigil Prayers being offered at 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, and St. Margaret Church Renovation Fund would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.