Rory Fiorito

It is with tremendous sadness the family announce the sudden passing of Rory Fiorito, age 56 years old on June 3rd, 2021 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

If you had the privilege to know Rory you were a lucky one. He had the most caring heart, charming beyond measure and he would give anyone the shirt off of his back. His sense of humour was as sarcastic as ever and never put it past him to complain about at least one thing in a day. Trust me, his daughter would be the first to tell you.

Rory grew up in Fort William, Ontario and would have stories for days about his time growing up. When he was younger he wanted to become a rocker, having been in a band as a drummer in his younger years. If you loved rock music in the 80’s you would have known Rory from Poor Pete’s. Rory’s motto in life was “ I wanted to be a rockstar, but I didn’t care for the hours”. As years went on, he worked at many places which included Provincial (Cascades) Paper Mill, Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital and St. Joe’s Hospital but one thing always stood out among the rest and that was his passion for graphic design. From designing cover work for bands such as Quiet Riot, Dokken and Diamond Head he was always coming up with new designs. He loved sharing his work with others by posting his art on his Facebook and by making personal prints for those around him.

When not working on art, Rory had many passions, one being his love of watching football. Every Sunday you could count that he was watching football. Rory’s team was the Atlanta Falcons (AKA the Dirty Birds and don’t worry Perry he still hates the Dallas Cowboys just as much as ever) and even when he was cursing the Falcons he still loved them. Another being his incredible knowledge of rock music. Ask him any question and he knows the answer. From who wrote what song to when their first album came out, he knew. His final passion which came from his nana was his grand oriental collection of interior décor pieces of statues, figurines, porcelain bowls and an endless number of other stunning pieces.

Rory had a special place in his heart for helping others, especially for those who were in need at the LPH or St .Joes. He always went above and beyond anyone's expectations. He would bring clients newspapers, music whether it be on cd’s or cassette tapes, clothes and so much more. He loved them all so much and would do anything he could for them. It never went unrecognized either, always telling his daughter that he got in trouble for doing it or how much the nurses loved him for it. Rory never cared what anyone thought when it came to caring for those around him. If a client wanted it, he would do anything in his power to make it happen as soon as possible. The gentle heart of his will never be forgotten.

He will be dearly missed by his beautiful daughter Taylor Fiorito, older brother Danny (Elizabeth), younger sister Marianna, and youngest brother Geordie (Angie) and his many nieces and nephews who all adored him. His dearest friend Shannon always had a special place in his heart. And his countless number of friends who stood by his side throughout the years. He was predeceased by his Mom Carla and his beloved Nana Eunice.

 From his daughter,
 
I want to thank everyone for loving my dad just as much as I did. I really want to thank all the staff on 2 North at St. Joe's Hospital, especially the nurses for helping my dad when everything happened. I believe you all are the reason I got to talk to my dad again and tell him that I loved him. Most do not get that and I am forever grateful. Another thank you goes to the nurses on ICU at the Thunder Bay Regional. Sarah and Meredith thank you for taking care of my dad for the time that you did and for helping him even with him being as stubborn as he is. He really did appreciate you both just as much as I did. To everyone reading this, there needs to be more caring people like my dad in the world. Help those in need, especially those who can no longer do it for themselves. Go out of your way to do good. I promise you, it will not go unnoticed. Oh and when you hear some good old 80’s rock, turn it up a little louder and think of my dad. We did not get as much time as we deserved dad but I loved every second of it. I know you are watching out for me and always by my side. I love you forever and always dad. Keep on rocking. I promise that I will.

A celebration of life in honour of Rory will be determined at a later date in the summer when Covid restrictions are lessened. A post will be made on a specific date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Rory had a love for helping those in need and to see more people get help in his honour would be a blessing.