JOHN ANTHONY MAINELLA JR. -

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JOHN ANTHONY MAINELLA JR. 1927 - 2011 Surrounded by the love of his family, our beloved husband, father and grandfather John Anthony Mainella peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home on Thursday, January 13, 2011. Born in Winnipeg on April 9, 1927, Dad lived all his life in St. James. During his school years and while attending university Dad worked side by side with his parents in the Overdale Coffee Shop at the corner of Portage and Overdale. Dad graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1954 with a degree in Pharmacy. In 1957 he married our Mother, Antoinette Dellapenta and together they raised six daughters. An entrepreneur in so many ways - shortly after marrying Mom, Dad opened the Silver Heights Pharmacy at Portage Avenue and Mount Royal Road. A few years later he was offered a position with the T. Eaton Co. where he climbed the ladder working in many managerial positions and eventually as a Buyer. This position took him to many exotic places in the world. Dad was employed with Eaton's for over 40 years and in his retirement he served a two year term as President of the Retirement Club and many years as the Co-ordinator of the Eaton's Retirement Travel Club. He served on many boards and committees of various organizations. Dad was especially honoured when he and Mom were asked to serve as Aides to good friend the Late Honourable Peter Liba during his term as Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba. John was a life long member of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church Winnipeg. For his loyal and outstanding service to Holy Rosary he was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope John Paul II. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, Charter Member of both St. James Council and Holy Rosary Council 8300 and a member of the 4th Degree Miles MacDonell Assembly #370. Dad's most favourite times were spent around the table at the Sunday family dinners and summers at the family cottage at Twin Beaches. Family, friends and neighbours were always an important part of Dad's life. Dad's legacy lives on in his family. He will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 53 years, Antoinette, and his children and grandchildren; Anna-Marie and Alex Scott, Michele Poulsen (Matthew and Meagan); Joanne and David Provinciano (Christopher and Carmen); Lucille and Lyle Davies (Jared and Marissa); Kathy and Clark Johannson (Carly, Lucas, Alana and William) and Theresa Mainella and Mitch Grant. He will also be missed by his brother-in-law, sisters-in-law and many nieces, nephews and friends. Dad was predeceased by his parents Anna and John Mainella Sr. and his sister and brother-in-law Marie and Cosimo Mastroianni. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 18 at 11:00 a.m. in the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Ave. Reverend Father Michael Koryluk celebrant. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for those who made it possible to carry out Dad's wishes to remain at home during his final days. To Fr. Sam Argenziano for his many visits which meant so much to both Mom and Dad. To the kind and compassionate care of Dr. Paul Daeninck, St. Boniface CancerCare, Palliative Care nurses Trish and Chris, for the support of family and friends and especially to Mom, who was there for Dad around the clock. Because of her faith, strength and courage she kept our family strong during this difficult time. Special thanks to Uncle Henry and Aunt Jo for their love and support during Dad's illness. They are always here for us and have taken such good care of Mom. Papa, you will always be in our thoughts and forever in our hearts. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB. R3E 9Z9 For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 275-5555

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 15, 2011