September 4, 1930 – April 29, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Rudolph “Rudy” Pizio, announce his passing on April 29, 2025 at the age 94 at Southbridge Pinewood.
Rudy was born on September 4, 1930 in Sioux Lookout to Michael and Serafima Pizio. Life was not easy in Sioux Lookout. In 1933, Serafima was diagnosed with tuberculosis and she, Rudy and his sisters were sent to The Thunder Bay Sanatorium for treatment. His sister, Rayisa, succumbed to the disease in 1935. His mother required treatment for several years and Rudy and his sisters spent time at St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Fort William.
Rudy was a very hard worker even at a very young age. He tells stories of how he and his friends, at age 10, would go door to door selling Christmas Trees for fifty cents. He left school in grade 9 to go to work. He worked as a taxi driver, bush worker and also at the creosote plant in Sioux Lookout. In 1949 he met Shirley and asked her to go for a ride on his Indian motorcycle. She said yes. They were married on April 15, 1950. Michael was born in 1951 with Carol Ann and David following in 1953 and 1954. Saving the best for last, Michelle was born in 1963. For a better life, Dad joined the army in 1954 working in the medical corp. and the Pizio’s became a military family moving throughout Canada and for a brief time overseas. Even while serving in the military he would work a second job working at local hospitals while stationed in Halifax and Oromocto, New Brunswick. Rudy retired from the military in 1979 and returned to Northwestern Ontario where he built the house on Victor Street. He obtained his Grade 12 in 1981. He then secured employment with McKellar General Hospital as a cast technician, a job he continued with until his retirement in 1995.
Never one to sit idle, Rudy enjoyed running, walking, fishing (summer and winter), skiing (cross country and downhill), gardening and cutting down, chopping and stacking wood. Even into his 80’s he did his daily pull ups and worked out with weights. Dad was diagnosed with Glaucoma and this was a very difficult adjustment for him and even though he was “legally blind”, he could still spot a speck of dust on your pant leg or find something on the floor. He continued his daily walks until he fell last year and broke his hip. Unfortunately, after this fall, he was just not able to get back on his feet and his health deteriorated quickly and the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia began. Even so, his biggest concern was to make sure that everyone in the family was ok and they did not need anything. He never wanted anything for himself and always put everyone else first.
Rudy is survived by his son, David (Phyllis) of Prince Edward Island, his daughter, Michelle Roberts (Bryan) of Thunder Bay, nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife, Shirley (2016), son Michael (1974), daughter Carol Ann (2015), great-grandson Evan Sutherland (2020), his parents Michael and Serafima Pizio, sisters Rayisa (1935), Sophie (2005) and Lydia Carlbom (2021), parents-in-law, Walter and Gladys Brigden, brothers-in-law, Laurence Brigden (Arlene, Joan) and Norman Brigden (Marguerite).
The family would like to thank Dr. David Janhunen and the entire Blue Heron staff at Southbridge Pinewood your care and compassion has been outstanding. It was comforting to know that when we couldn’t be there, he was safe and cared for. Yours is not an easy job and we appreciate everything that you do. We would especially like to thank Corey. Our father spoke so very highly of you and always said you were kind and thoughtful and took very good care of him.
In keeping with Rudy’s wishes, a private family interment will take place in Mountainview Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his beloved, Shirley. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James. Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Rudy can be made to a charity of your choice and would be greatly appreciated.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
