We are deeply saddened to announce Richard Aldo DeCal, 66, of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 28, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
Rick was born in Port Arthur on May 21, 1955 to Giovanni Battista and Bruna (Ciot) DeCal. He grew up in Thunder Bay and graduated from Lakehead University.
Rick married his loving wife Karen in 1979 and they spent 42 wonderful years together. They welcomed their first son Isaac while living in Saskatoon, then moved back to Thunder Bay where they were blessed with two more sons, Eli and Luke. Rick spent his early days in mining and consulting engineering before joining the Ministry of Transportation, where he finished his career as a Senior Project Manager, retiring in 2015.
Above all else, Rick cherished spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He also loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing with his buddies. Rick was passionate about travelling. He made many trips to Europe, especially Italy to visit family, and Asia, where he spent much time in Vietnam and was recently able to experience India. Rick enjoyed making his own wine and spent a lifetime perfecting his craft and sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends.
Rick will be lovingly remembered by his wife Karen, their three sons, Isaac (Natalie), Eli (Thuy) and Luke (Aimee), and grandchildren, Nicholas, Theo, Jayla and Paisley. He is also survived by his sisters, Marilyn (Ken) Sinclair, Patricia (Gino) Nerino and their families, and his wife Karen’s siblings and families. He was predeceased by his parents, Battista and Bruna, and his in-laws, Don and Emma Georgison.
The family wishes to acknowledge the outpouring of love and support from their family and friends. They would also like to thank the staff of St. Joseph’s, St. Elizabeth Health, the VON and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Special thanks to the wonderful in-home care providers and Fr. Francis.
A funeral Mass to Celebrate Rick’s life will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Loretto R.C. Church celebrated by Rev. Frances Pudicherry. Those wishing to attend the Mass will require proof of full vaccination along with proper identification. Those unable to attend the services are invited to go the Sargent & Son Facebook Page where a livestream of the service will be available to view. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Current River Community Centre – in support of youth programs. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
