Obituary for
Luigi Bozzo
In loving memory of Luigi Bozzo who passed away with both of his children by his side on June 25th, 2020, after having celebrated his 98th birthday just weeks before.
Luigi was born on May 31, 1922 in Aprigliano, Cosenza, as the fourth of six children born to Francesco and Maria Bozzo, (both predeceased). Also predeceased by his wife, Teresina (Rogliano) with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Maria, and his son Frank, (Hélène). Luigi was so proud and so full of love for the two young men who called him Nonno: Anthony (Sarah) and Nicholas (friend Megan Firlotte). To Wesley and Rosalie, he was Bisnonno and they were getting to know him as Nonno Luigi.
Survived by his brother, Rocco (Maria), Luigi was predeceased by his sisters Sisina, Virginia, Anna, and Norina. He was Zio Gigino to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews in Canada and Italy and always enjoyed their visits and calls over the years.
After having served in World War II and spending much of the war as a German POW in Austria, Luigi and his younger brother, Rocco, immigrated to Canada in 1948, as they were not able to find work in Italy. They were sponsored by their father, who had already immigrated to Canada. Working in forestry and on the railway in Northwestern Ontario after his arrival, Luigi moved to Sudbury in the early 1950s. Inco was his employer from the 1950s until his retirement in the 1980s. In 1953, Luigi married Teresina and they began raising their family and making a life together. Hard work and family were at the heart of all they did and everything was done as a family unit. Gardening, canning, wine making and sausage making – they were all family affairs. Traditions from back home were maintained and Italian as a second language was encouraged. Holidays were spent visiting extended family within the province, out to BC and even to Italy to maintain connections. Sundays were reserved for visiting friends and relatives or receiving them, and in the summer, the family could be found enjoying the outdoors at Richard Lake. When his children were young, he rarely ran an errand without taking at least one of them with him for the car ride. Nothing made Luigi happier than to have loved ones around him. The patience and time he had for his family was extraordinary – a true indication of his unconditional love. He once said, “Without my family, I have nothing”.
Luigi had a kind and friendly soul, making friends wherever he went. Having lived in the same New Sudbury neighbourhood for 51 years, his move from there in 2006 to live with his daughter could have been difficult. Instead, he took over dog walking duties and soon became a fixture in his new neighbourhood. He and Bernie would be seen on their walks in the morning and at supper time all year round, of course stopping to chat along the way. They were often found enjoying the nice weather in the summer while sitting on the bench in front of the house. Greeting neighbours walking by or waving as they honked, he was friendly to everyone. He took pride in keeping the driveway clear of snow for as long as he was able. After breaking a hip seven years ago, mobility and other health issues kept him closer to home and more housebound. In recent years, a Saturday morning ritual consisted of going for coffee with his son, his grandsons and his great grandson. Luigi never gave up and pushed himself to be as independent as he was able. Until this last hospital stay, he was able to walk with a cane or walker and do most things on his own. The mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes and his sense of humour could get a smile out of everyone. The family considers themselves to have been very fortunate to have him with them for as long as they did.
The family would like to thank the many health care workers who made it possible for Luigi to remain at home. Without the PSWs, Physios, OTs and Nurses this would not have been possible. The Health Bistro Day Program run by the Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin allowed for enjoyable days engaged in many different activities, all made possible because of the terrific staff who really care for the clients they serve. A very special thank you to Dr. deBlacam and his staff, who took such good care of Luigi, our Dad, Nonno and Bisnonno for so many years and especially this last time – words are not enough.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the COOPERATIVE FUNERAL HOME, 222 Lasalle Blvd, Sudbury, Tuesday, June 30, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A funeral service will follow in the Chapel. Under the COVID-19 directives, we will be limiting the amount of people at the visitation and service. Everyone must wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin or Alzheimer Society North Bay Districts – Day Programs www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/12667 or call 705-560-0603 or 1-800-407-6369 with VISA or Mastercard donations, to Maison McCulloch Hospice maisonsudburyhospice.org/donate/ or to a charity of your choice.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Luigi
Bozzo 1922 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Sudbury, Province: Ontario