It is with profound shock and deep sadness that we announce that Vincenzo Armiento, age 88, resident of Thunder Bay passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2015 at TBRHSC, while surrounded by the love of his family.
Vincenzo was born in Ruvo del Monte, Provincia di Potenza, Italy on June 26, 1926. He married his wife Carmela, and soon thereafter began a journey to Winnipeg, Canada in the hope of finding a good life for his family.
Not receiving the work that was promised, he set out to return to Italy until he came upon the town of Fort William where he found work with the CPR, first in the sheds, and then as a baggage handler with VIA Rail. The promise of a good life in Canada had begun.
Most of Vincenzo’s early years in Fort William were spent in the East End, where together with Carmela, they raised their two children Teresa and Frank. He found great happiness in creating a life where working, raising a family, and church were at the forefront. He had a strong sense of community in church and faith in God and was an active member of St. Dominic’s Parish, the Senior's Club, and the DaVinci Principe de Piemonte.
Vincenzo had a green thumb, enjoyed puttering in his garden, and was especially proud of his tomatoes, beans, and potatoes. Making his homemade wine and sauce gave him great joy. He enjoyed the time with his many friends at the church hall, spending summer Sundays at Chippewa Park playing bocce with the gang, and playing an afternoon game of cards at the DaVinci.
Vincenzo was independent, determined, and had a strong sense of right and wrong. His handshake was his word. He would strike up a conversation with anyone and liked to tease and jest…and supper was always served at 5pm sharp!
Vincenzo is survived by his son Frank and wife Helena, son-in-law Giuseppe Minnella; grandchildren Domenic (Lorraine) Minnella, Angela (Peter) Kutok, Vince (Olivia) Minnella, Melinda (Ryan) Wood and Christopher Armiento. He is also survived by great grandchildren, Michael, Nicholas, Kayla, Cameron, Jordan, Vienna, Tavia, Tayliah, and Myla; sister Maria Andreacci; sisters-in-law Maria Armiento, Rosina Gabbamonte, and Rosa Armiento; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Vincenzo was predeceased by his wife of 63 years Carmela Armiento, daughter Teresa Minnella, his parents Francesco and Teresa, brothers Vito, Giuseppe, and Domenico, and many extended family members.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2015, when family and friends will gather for funeral mass at 10:00am, at St. Dominic's Church celebrated by Rev. Maurizio Maifredi c.s. Interment will follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation for friends and family will start at 7:30 pm Wednesday, April 8, 2015 in St. Dominic's Church with vigil prayers to take place at 8:00 pm If friends so wish, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Care Group.
Vincenzo Armiento will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 12, 2016.
