On September, 7th, 2016, Michele ‘Mike’ Veneziale passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the age of 93 after a long and storied life.
Born in 1923 in Isernia, Italy, Mike worked as a labourer and a vegetable farmer.
His hard work ensured that he grew into a very healthy, strong, and handsome young man and soon, Mike had many women vying for his attention. He left many broken hearts in his wake when he was called to serve in the Italian Military in Naples during World War II.
No woman had managed to hold his interest until he was 28, when young Emilia was sent to Isernia from the countryside to look after her aunt. One chance afternoon, she went to buy some vegetables from the farmer down the road- and Mike was smitten. He followed her home that day and every day for weeks, and so their courtship began. They married 9 months later.
Once their son Cosmo was born, Emilia and Mike worked hard to provide him with the best possible start in life, and they decided to leave Italy to move to Canada.
They arrived in Fort William in 1959, planted their garden, and started to set down roots. Mike worked as a labourer until 1962, when an unfortunate workplace accident shattered his legs and pelvis.
Mike was in a body cast and in and out of the hospital for years to come. The accident changed his life dramatically. No longer able to work, Mike stayed home to take care of his new daughter Maria, and threw himself into books.
Having not been formally educated, Mike craved knowledge, and was always reading about history, art, and current events. He encouraged his kids and grandkids to stay in school and was so proud of their educational achievements.
Mike was known to many in the city, always walking to and from Victoriaville or Intercity to do the shopping and visit with his many friends. No one could grow a juicier tomato, shell a bean faster, or make a more potent batch of red wine.
He shone as a grandfather, always taking his grandkids crayfish hunting, swimming, or to play on the now defunct zip line at Marina Park, and lovingly and patiently taught them how to work in the garden.
Mike is survived by his wife of 67 years, Emilia Veneziale, his son Cosmo Veneziale and daughter-in-law Kate, daughter Maria D’Angelo and son-in-law Bruno; grandchildren Kevin (Patricia), Kristen, Kimberly, Mike (Loredana), Donato, and Adrian; greatgrandchildren Adam, Erin, Julia, Alandra, Nicolas, Xander, and Caelyn; and sister Dolores. Predeceased by his parents Cosmo and Maria Veneziale; brother Rafaele and sister Anna.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 when friends and family gather for funeral mass at 11:00am in St. Patrick’s Cathedral celebrated by Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla V.G.
Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Visitation for friends will be held on Monday September 12, 2016 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm in the Blake Funeral Chapel with vigil prayers at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Michele Veneziale will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 11, 2017.
