Mr. Francesco DiGiuseppe, in his 96th year, passed away peacefully in Pioneer Ridge Home for the Aged on Sunday, October 10, 2010.

Francesco was born in Castel Castagna, Teramo, Italy on December 2, 1914. He was the youngest of eight siblings. On May 19, 1938, he married Allegrina D’Angelo and in the five years that followed, they had three children, Antonio (Tony), Guido and Maria.

In search of a better life for his children, Francesco left Italy for Canada in 1950, joining his older brothers, Ferdinando, Candeloro, Agostino and Raffaele, who emigrated to Port Arthur after World War I. Allegrina followed three years later, traveling with her small children across Italy, over the Atlantic and by rail from Halifax to reunite with Francesco in September of 1953. The following year, a fourth child, Dino, was born.

Francesco was a skilled tradesperson who worked in the construction industry in Thunder Bay and surrounding area. A self-taught carpenter, his talent and passion were clearly evident in his work.

He retired in 1979 and devoted his remaining years to his home, his garden (which recalled his agrarian roots) and his family, which grew to include 15 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Francesco enjoyed reading, and cards and companionship at the Italian Hall.

Throughout his life, Francesco displayed great strength of character and a selfless commitment to his family. He and Allegrina sponsored many relatives who migrated to Canada in the mid and late fifties, providing food and shelter until they were able to support themselves. Francesco’s most endearing quality was his mischievousness, often expressed in the turn of a phrase and revealed by the glint in his eye and the smile on his face. His impishness revealed his true character: a man who found joy in all of life’s gifts. He will be missed.

Francesco was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Allegrina; his parents, Antonietta and Antonio DiGiuseppe; his mother-and father-in-law, Achille and Ettera D’Angelo; his siblings and their spouses: Ferdinando; Candeloro (Amina); Agostino (Ida); Raffaele; Giuseppe (Antonietta); Carmella (Giuseppe DeDomenicis); Lucia (Pietro DeAmicis) and Assunta (Costantino Orsetti); and his brothers-in-law, Antonio D’Angelo and Donato D’Angelo and his sisters-in-law, Antonietta D’Angelo and Grazietta D’Angelo.

Francesco is survived by his children Tony (Gayle) and grandchildren Kevin (Linda), Don (Jodi) and Tina (Rob Johnson); Guido (Rita) and grandchildren Francesco (Teresa), James (Kathy), Susanna (Jim Differ) and Bonny (Terry Wood); Maria (Enzo Santin) and grandchildren Debbie (Tim Johnson), Gloria, Jacqueline, Patrick (Christie) and Angelo (Carla); Dino (Joan Powell) and grandchildren Max, Martha and Sam; and 26 great grandchildren.

Francesco is also survived by brothers-in-law Rocco D’Angelo (Argentina) and Ercole D’Angelo in Thunder Bay, and Guerino D’Angleo (Gilda) in Italy; sisters-in-law Giovinna Ivanetic (Filip), Italia D’Angelo and Adalgisa Marconi, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives in Canada, Italy, the United States and Belgium.

Funeral services for the late Mr. Francesco DiGiuseppe will be held on Friday, October 15, 2010 leaving the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverly Street at Algoma at 8:50 AM to St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM. Entombment will follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum in St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening after 5:00 PM in the EVEREST CHAPEL with the Vigil Prayers offered at 7:00 PM.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Care Group in memory of Francesco.

Thank you to Dr. Scali and the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Pioneer Ridge for their care and compassion, and for treating Francesco as they would a member of their family. We are grateful.