God called our dear husband, father, and friend, Silvio, who will be remembered for a life of service to
others. Loving husband to Mary for 54 years. Generous and caring father to Don (Jenn) and Glen
(Maggie).
Born in Terranova, the youngest of four siblings, Silvio left Italy at age 15 sponsored by his eldest sister
Giovanna in Caracas, Venezuela. However, Silvio’s future awaited him in Canada. His sister Alba
(Carmine) sponsored Silvio and he traveled to Smithers. At the age of 21, Silvio started working for CN
Rail. His strong work ethic and intelligence had him quickly promoted through the ranks in the office as
a payroll clerk, then brakeman, and finally as a conductor for Via Rail until his retirement in his mid-fifties.
In July 1965, Silvio was working the Smithers-Prince Rupert passenger train when he first set eyes on
his beautiful Mary, who was traveling from Minnesota to embark on her first career as a nurse at Millar
Bay Hospital in Prince Rupert. Married in September 1966, Silvio and Mary started their family in
Smithers, BC. where they built and ran the Florence Motel. Eventually, they moved to Prince George
and co-owned and operated PG Surg-Med. all of this while continuing to work for the railroad. Silvio and
Mary moved to Burnaby in 1989 in order to give their two sons more opportunities. Silvio and Mary both
worked for Regency Medical until retirement. Our special tenor, Silvio sang with the St. Helen’s Parish
Choir, the Italian Men’s Choir, and the Austrian choir. He was a great cook and enjoyed membership in
the local wine club. He could tango and loved to dance the night away.
Remembered by his sister Alba, sister-in-law Lina, brother-in-law Tom (Shirley), sister-in-law Donna, and
many nieces and nephews in Canada, the USA & Italy. Predeceased by Giovanna (sister), Duilio (brother),
Carmine (brother-in-law), Jim (brother-in-law), Luigi (nephew), Linda (niece-in-law).
Silvio will be fondly remembered by a multitude of friends who could easily fill a church! When Mary and
Silvio was not away traveling, they liked nothing more than hosting friends and family for great homecooked
meals and his much-loved wine.
Silvio lived with dementia but he always recognized his family and friends with a smile, in particular
those who came to visit while he was in care.
Thank you to the staff at George Derby Care Centre for their compassionate care prior to and during the pandemic.
In lieu of flowers, your donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC would be appreciated.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Silvio Donato Rossi December 9 1937 November 26 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique