GIOVANNI VIRGILIO

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GIOVANNI VIRGILIO 1920 - 2005 Peacefully, on Saturday, September 17, with his family by his side, Giovanni passed away at the Victoria Hospital at the age of 84. Giovanni is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Carmela; his daughter Luciana (Giuseppe) Stangherlin; son Gerardo (Concetta) Virgilio; and his loving grandchildren, Marco, Daniela, Cynzia, Alexia, Adam and Janna. Giovanni will also be remembered by his sisters and brother, Imelda, Basilia, Gregorio and Teresa of Italy; sisters and brothers-in-law, Olga Cellitti, Palmina Colantonio, Adele Lancione, Mario (Luigina) Cellitti, Fernanda Augellone, Antonia (Egidio) Gentile, Giuseppe (Lucia) Cellitti; and many nieces, nephews and friends in Canada and abroad. On November 17, 1920, Giovanni was born to Giulia and Gerardo Virgilio, descendents of the 17th century poet Benedetto Virgilio, in the picturesque town of Villetta Barrea, Italy. He grew up in the surrounding mountains to which he returned as a veteran of the Second World War in 1945. He worked alongside his father in the fields until he began his own work hauling lumber for the town. It was during this time that Giovanni met the young Carmela from the neighbouring town. They married in 1952 and began their happy life together working hard and raising their children. In 1966, the family immigrated to Winnipeg to provide better opportunities for Luciana and Gerardo. Giovanni was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt and spend time at his cottage. After 11 years in Canada, Giovanni and Carmela returned to their beloved Villette Barrea where they enjoyed their retirement years. He served as Deputy Mayor of his hometown with an open ear and caring heart with a focus on the youth. He especially enjoyed time spent with his buddies Quartini where conversation and food were plentiful. The strong desire to be near their children and grandchildren brought Giovanni and Carmela back to Winnipeg in 1990. Giovanni endured the effects of Parkinson's Disease, but was lovingly cared for by his devoted wife until the very end. His gentle nature and sparkling eyes will be greatly missed by his grandchildren who loved him very much. A celebration of Giovanni's life will be held on Thursday, September 22, at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, 255 Stafford St. Viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. also in the church. Interment will follow at Waverley Memorial Gardens, 1501 Waverley St. Flowers are gratefully declined and those wishing to honour Giovanni's memory can make a donation to the Parkinson Society Manitoba, Suite 302-171 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M4. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street Winnipeg, Manitoba 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 21, 2005