Mario Joseph Tocheri, age 94 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with his family at his side. Born in Celano, Italy on April 24, 1921, Mario came to Canada with his family in 1925 to Broadway Avenue and remained a resident of Vickers Heights since that time.
Commencing employment as a 16 year old at the Great Lakes Paper Mill (now Resolute Forest Products), he progressed from water boy to tradesman pipe fitter, to working foreman - still in the Union, before retiring after 49 years of service. During his tenure at the Mill he represented his fellow workers as a union negotiator and President of Great Lakes Local 39.
Mario also took a deep interest in civic and community affairs. He served several years as Councillor and Reeve of the Municipality of Neebing prior to amalgamation and as Alderman on the first Council for the City of Thunder Bay.
Mario and his wife Catherine raised seven children at the family home in Vickers Heights where he developed a small animal farm and a prolific apple orchard on 4 acres of land. Hundreds of flowering crab and delicious apple trees around Thunder Bay today are the result of his patient cultivation and grafting expertise.
A true Canadian Dad he encouraged his boys in hockey and long distance running and his girls in public speaking and music. He served as a minor hockey coach, was actively involved in parent teacher associations and in the building of Holy Family Church on Rosslyn Road.
Mario was predeceased by Catherine, his wife of 72 years, his parents Louis and Santina and his sister Elsie. He is survived by seven children, Gary (Charlene), Wayne (Earlene), Delores (Sam Walter), Lorraine, David (Joan), Rock, Jullin (Preston Welch), 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Mary and brothers Louis Jr. and Guido.
A celebratory Mass and reception will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 2:00pm at Holy Family Church, 2055 Rosslyn Road. Cremation has taken place and a private interment in St. Patrick's Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, and should friends desire, memorial donations to Holy Family Parish Renovation Fund or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
