Parcourez la nécrologie de Vincenzo Volpe September 3 1946
February 6 2025 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
VOLPE, Vincenzo
September 3rd, 1946 – February 6th, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, zio/uncle, friend, and Tatone/Tato (grandfather) who passed away peacefully at the age of 78. Loved beyond words by his wife Marion of 48 years, and his daughters Laura, Stellina (Luke) and Angela (Ray), and Darren. Best Tatone in the world to Jaxon, Vinn, Jack, Elle, Kacey, Berkley, and Reese.
Born in Bucchanico, Italy to the late Adamo and Carolina Volpe. Dear brother of the late Valentino (late Binetta), late Dora (late Giuseppe), Italia (late Nicola), Giusepina (Vince), late Antonietta (late Frank, Richard), Maria (late Rocco), and Otto (Ivana). Beloved son-in-law of the late Wilfred and Margaret Swire, and brother in law of Peggy (Steve), Mary (Bill), Pat (Peter), Phil (Marlene), Tommy (Cheryl), Billy (Shirley) and Beatrice. He will be greatly missed by his many cousins, nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy.
Where do you start, to describe the man, myth and legend of Vincenzo Volpe? The definition of family would describe everything that he represented and embodied. Family is everything. From the moment you walked into his home you were greeted with a warm smile, more food than you can eat, and bottomless drinks. You always left with salami, garden veggies, take-out containers filled with food, Marion’s baking, or vino. The door was always open. His nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, new and old neighbours would often come and visit, near and far.
He spent his early years in Italy where he walked uphill both ways to school every day (this we learned was true when we visited his hometown as a family). Values of hard work, love, and family remained with him throughout his life.
In 1960, at the age of 14 he embarked on a life-changing journey to Canada with his family. They settled in Sault Ste. Marie’s Little Italy, where he began building a life filled with opportunities. He quickly adapted to his new home, learning the language and making friends.
In 1976, he married his life partner Marion. Together, they built and raised their family, made every house they lived in a home (there were many of them), spent days and nights at Vincenzo’s Restaurant for more than 20 years, hosted the best dinners and garage/gazebo parties, and enjoyed travelling to visit family in Italy and his love for Cuba.
He worked hard to support his family, never complaining, even after the longest days and most tiring nights. His earliest job was at a local five pin bowling alley, he was also a baker and chimney sweeper, and later spent over 40 years at Algoma Steel – all while running restaurants at the same time. He loved to retire (or maybe just the many retirement parties), then later worked at the US Bridge Authority where he spent 8 years until he retired (for real) and sold Vincenzo’s in 2013.
His strong work ethic, determination, passion for cooking and entertaining, and the best sense of humour made him a beloved figure at work and in his community. He always found ways to make the lives of those around him better. His smile was the best (it was hard to capture them in photos!), and he made everyone feel special.
One of the things that brought him the most joy in life was food. He took great pride in sharing meals with loved ones, hosting Sunday dinners with his family, parties and celebrations that could feed a small village. His garden and garage were his happy place – complete with the funniest hand painted signs, eclectic homemade garden decorations, and miscellaneous items.
He made his mark in the community through food as a restaurant owner with his brother, friend and long time business partner, Otto, feeding Sault Ste. Marie for over 45 years. First with Como’s Spaghetti House in the late 1960’s, then The Princess Grill, Como’s Catering, and finally Vincenzo’s Restaurant. In recent years, he cherished the times spent at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church making perogies and cabbage rolls, preparing food at Harvest Algoma, and years of service with the Knights of Columbus.
As a husband to Marion for 48 years, he was loving, supportive, and a true partner. He and Marion shared a bond that was unbreakable, built on years of love, laughter, and mutual respect. Until the very end, he was with her and holding on. He is the example we live by and will cherish.
He was deeply devoted and worked hard to create a loving home for his own family and his girls – Laura, Stellina and Angela. He was a proud grandfather, affectionately known as “Tatone”/Tato by his seven grandchildren. His son in laws Darren, Luke and Ray were his best friends. His love for his family was immeasurable, and he took great joy in watching them grow, always offering words of wisdom, lots of ice cream, popsicles and treats.
As a prankster at heart, he was always ready with a joke or a mischievous smile – or surprising nieces and nephews with new pets/animals their parents didn’t want. His ability to make those around him laugh and feel welcomed was a true gift, and his sense of humor and his patience while listening to others brightened even the toughest of days.
Though he may no longer be with us, his spirit, love, and the countless memories he leaves behind will forever remain in our hearts. He was a man of few words who lived life to the fullest, with a heart full of love and a smile that never faded. He will be deeply missed by all.
The family would like to thank Nurse Lisa from Bayshore for her support and compassion, making it possible for him to be with our family longer in the comfort of his home. As well as Dr. Booth with SAH, and the Algoma District Cancer Clinic physicians and staff for the care provided. Thank you to all of the friends and family who helped and supported Vince.
Rest in paradise. You will always be loved, and your legacy will live on in the family and friends you cherished so much.
Friends and family are invited to visit at O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St, SSM) on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church (293 St Georges Ave East, SSM) on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 11:00 am with Father Michael Hayes officiating. Interment to follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to (payable online or by cheque)
Tracy’s Dream
( www.gofundme.com/f/fd9gu-tracy039s-dream/donate?source=btn_donate )
or
ARCH
( www.archhospice.ca/donate )
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vincenzo, please visit our floral store.
September 3 1946
February 6 2025
Décès pour la Ville:Sault Ste Marie, Province: Ontario
avis deces Vincenzo Volpe September 3 1946
February 6 2025
nécrologie Vincenzo Volpe September 3 1946
February 6 2025
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Vincenzo Volpe September 3 1946
February 6 2025 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.