SALVATORE (SAM) SCHILLACI

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SALVATORE (SAM) SCHILLACI March 4, 1929 - February 23, 2007 A Heart of Gold stopped beating, working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Peacefully, with his family by his side, Sam passed away on February 23, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer at the Riverview Hospital. Sam was predeceased by his sister, Agostina, father Salvatore and mother Francesca. As a husband, father, grandfather and brother, Sam will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife Michelina of 54 years; children, Franca (Dexter), Michael, Mario; and six grandchildren, Nicholas, Andrew, Anthony, Jennifer, Mathew and Michael. He will also be sadly missed by his brother Gerry and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Salvatore was born in Termini Imerese, Italy on March 4, 1929. He moved to Canada in 1951 and after a short period of time his family joined him. His wife to be Michelina came to Canada in 1952 and they were then married on April 6, 1953. Salvatore learned the tile trade when he came to Winnipeg and became a gifted tile setter. He retired 20 years ago and then purchased a cottage in Gimli that he built for his family. He took pride in his children and grandchildren and his favourite times were with family and friends. He also enjoyed travelling to Mazatlan every winter to re-unite with friends. Sam was a sportsman; holding season tickets since 1951, he was a stout Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan. He also loved hockey, soccer and enjoyed playing bocce with his friends in Carnation Park when he wasn't at the lake. When he was at the lake he loved to garden, go fishing and play horseshoes. Sam was a devout Canadian who loved his country but at the same time he stayed true to his traditional roots in Italy; he was part of the Italian community in Winnipeg and enjoyed sharing his traditions with others. He absolutely loved his garden and took pride in being able to create things with nature. As an Italian he had a passion for wine making and traditional foods. He was a good example for those close to him on how to live life to the fullest. Special thanks to the Palliative Care Team at Riverview 3 East, 8th Floor St. Boniface Hospital, Sam's nurse Harriett, his personal health care aids and CancerCare Volunteers. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. Holy Rosary Parish Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Holy Rosary Parish, 510 River Avenue with Father Sam Argenziano presiding. Entombment will follow at Green Acres Holy Angel Mausoleum on #1 Highway at Naven Road. Considering it is the time of Lent, it has been requested by the Church that flowers be gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Salvatore's memory to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room ON1160, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9. Your spirit will live on Sammy. We all love you. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM FAMILY OWNED OPERATED 220 Hespeler Ave. @ Henderson Hwy. 668-3151

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 28, 2007