It is with profound sorrow we announce the passing of Nello Pradissitto who passed away peacefully Thursday, April 14, 2022 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with family by his side. Nello was born November 29, 1932 in Gorgo Di Latisana, Treviso, Italy. He was predeceased by his parents Palmira and Albino and three sisters, Mercedes, Benita and Alice. Nello will be deeply missed by his loving wife Rita, whom he was married to for 55 years; his son Christian, daughter-in-law Allison, and grandchildren Addison, Camren and Carsen and in-laws Ron and Dale Zorzes.
As a young man, Nello started working in the construction industry as an apprentice mason. He finished his training prior to entering miliary service with the Alpini – Italy’s specialist mountain infantry, in the Artillery Division. After his service, in his early twenties, he worked in Paris and Milan as a mason.
In 1957 at the age of twenty-six, through his Uncle Candido Comuzzi, he immigrated to Canada, settling in Port Arthur, where he was welcomed by his Aunt Yolanda Comuzzi.
He worked for various construction companies and in 1964, he was assigned to oversee Lakehead Developers, a new division of Headway Builders.
Through his studies in architecture and masonry design and working in construction in Italy and Canada, he became skilled in many aspects of residential and commercial construction including tile and concrete work. In 1967 Nello started his own company called P&G Construction. Nello was in business for 30 years until his retirement in 1997. Nello shared his vast knowledge of concrete work and trained many cement finishers during his time in business.
He was a member of the Italian Society of Port Arthur, the Da Vinci Centre and was also a member of the Gruppo Alpini of Thunder Bay, as well as the Alpini Choir. He was a founding member and executive of the Alpini Association and a member of St. Anthony’s Church.
Nello was a very hard working and determined man who always took pride in caring for his family. It was his number one priority in life. Nello loved his annual tradition making wine from grapes. He also enjoyed his garden and especially loved growing tomatoes. Nello loved to cook for his family, and his grandchildren all loved their Nonno’s spaghetti sauce. Although quiet by nature, Nello and Rita enjoyed entertaining friends and family at their home as well as their camp on One Island Lake which he built in 1978. Nello also enjoyed dancing and music, and in his younger years downhill skiing and bowling with the St. Anthony’s bowling League.
Nello had many roles throughout his life. He is survived by relatives in Thunder Bay, Italy, France and Belgium. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, who will be missed dearly.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Father Luigi Filippini and to the doctors and nurses in ICU at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
A Mass in celebration of Nello’s life will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 123 Hilldale Road. Presided over by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Visitation will be held in the church from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6VbcEyO3ns . A private internment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony’s Church or Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
