Giovanni (John) Veneruzzo aged 77, of Thunder Bay passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 4, 2006 at St. Joseph’s Hospice.

Born November 18, 1928, in Motta di Livenza, Province of Treviso, Italy, Giovanni left his native country arriving in Canada in April 1954, settling in Fort William, to be close to his cousins. Maria then joined him in Canada in June 1956.Like so many other Italians at that time he worked wherever he could to get through the challenges of being an immigrant. He was employed as a bull cook for the CNR upon his arrival to Canada, moving into construction before starting at Great Lakes Paper (later CP Forest Products) in 1955, working there until his retirement after 33 years in 1988.

Giovanni and Maria raised their family of 6 in Thunder Bay. He enjoyed life immensely, and his love for family, friends, his garden, hunting and fishing was all very well known. He always welcomed friends and relatives to visit his home for a sample of his garden vegetables, play cards, to help make home made sausages and all could not be done without a glass or two of his home-made wine. Known as GeeJoe by the hunting and fishing gang, Giovanni was a seasoned hunter, with a championship winning moose call.
Giovanni was a long standing member of the Da Vinci Center and the Trevisani nel Mondo.

Beloved and devoted husband of Maria (nee Miotto), they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, beloved father of Louis (Brenda) of Thunder Bay, Irene (Angelo Maronese) of Thunder Bay, Bruno of Aurora, Daniel (Laurie) of Brampton, Genny of Whitby, and Franco of Thunder Bay. Loving Nonno of Jason, Jennifer, Jasmine, Nicholas and Matthew. Survived by his brothers, Antonio, and Giulio (Carla) of Thunder Bay, nephew Walter (Linda) and sisters Carmela in France, and Luigia in Milan. Predeceased by his brother Pietro, his sister Santina, his father Giuseppe and mother Irene. He is survived by countless other relatives in Canada and Italy. Giovanni will surely be missed by all.

Funeral Services for the late Mr. Giovanni Veneruzzo will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2006 with family and friends gathering for Funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. at St. Agnes R.C. Church celebrated by Fr. James Panikulam. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. with Vigil Prayers being offered at 7:00 P.M. at St. Agnes R.C. Church. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.