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Patrick “Sonny” Manduca Sr., age 89 years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hospice with his loving wife Louise and only child, son Patrick by his side.
Sonny was born on McLaughlin Street in Fort William’s East End on September 11, 1935, the sixth of nine children. He attended St. Peter’s and St. Patrick’s schools. He apprenticed at the Port Arthur Shipyards and worked there until 1967, when he became a member of Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 397 with whom he worked as a welder for a number of companies until his retirement in 1997. His close and lasting friendships with his co-workers were always an important part of his life and he shared many adventures with John Fogolin Sr. and treasured his almost daily phone calls with Vic Bobinski.
Sonny loved his life growing up in the East End with his many friends playing baseball, boxing, borrowing grain for chicken feed from the CPR and shooting dice and swimming at second river. (Of course, only after cleaning the chickens and chopping wood at home.) Later on, he chummed with beloved friends Arnold Bragnalo, Leroy Scavarelli, Chubby Delaqua, Louis Marcon, and Peter Goegan at the camp they purchased on Ishkabibble beach in the 1950’s. Despite being born at the height of the great depression and its world of scarcity, Sonny always held an attitude of abundance and easily earned and spent freely on sharp clothes and nice cars.
Sonny was a loyal friend and generous to a fault. He loved to tell stories of his escapades with friends and in his later years he could easily recall every detail of games he played, fights he fought, projects he worked on along with his many adventures – and misadventures.
In 1962, Sonny met the love of his life, Louise Macchi and they married on July 27, 1963. They welcomed their only child Patrick in 1964. As a father, he continued to be the life of the party but now he devoted all his love and energy to providing for and protecting his young family.
Sonny’s greatest joy was his family and he enthusiastically welcomed his three grandsons and became a huge and important part of their lives. Now retired, he attended the boys’ concerts, hockey, football and soccer games, judo and wrestling tournaments and diving and gymnastics meets. Sonny keenly followed his grandsons’ sports and activities. Later still, he was able to enjoy his great-grandchildren, even having enough energy to have the eldest Karl, over for sleepovers, cards and games.
Sonny is survived by his loving wife Louise of 61 years, his son Dr. Patrick Manduca (Kim), grandsons: Christopher (Kerry), Joseph (Roslynn) and Stephen (Kara). Great-grandchildren: Karl, Louise, Oliver, Milo and Jane Manduca. Sister Rose Thompson and brother-in-law Dante Macchi (Ollie). He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Predeceased by: parents: Pasquale and Helen Manduca (Balina / Garaj); father and mother-in-law: Gilberto and Giovanna Macchi; sisters and brothers: Mary Lambert (Fern), Jimmy Manduca (May), Helen DelBen (Eno), Anthony Manduca (Sylvia), Carmel Smith (Jerry), Peter Manduca (Jackie), and Lily Shaw (Ian). Brother-in-law Robin Thompson. Sister-in-law Maria Zen and her husband Orlando. Also predeceased by nieces Linda and Judy and nephews Michael, Ron, Jamie, Fern, Gary, and Brian and great niece Megan.
The family would like thank Dr. Kevin Bezanson and nurses Stephanie, Victoria and Lily from the St. Joseph’s Hospice for their compassion and support.
Funeral services for the late Sonny Manduca will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at St. Dominic’s R.C. Church, 130 Redwood Ave, at 11 am with visitation at 10 am. Interment will take place at a later date. Lunch to follow at the DaVinci Centre, 340 Waterloo St. South.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Joseph’s Hospice or Children’s Health Defense – Canada would be appreciated.
September 11 1935
January 19 2025
Death notice for the town of: Thunder Bay, Province: Ontario
death notice Patrick Sonny Peter Manduca September 11 1935
January 19 2025
obituaries notice Patrick Sonny Peter Manduca September 11 1935
January 19 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Patrick Sonny Peter Manduca September 11 1935
January 19 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
