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VENANZIO MARINELLI
Born: Aug 18, 1929
Date of Passing: Apr 26, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
VENANZIO MARINELLI
August 18, 1929 - April 26, 2021
Venanzio leaves behind his wife Concetta; daughter Anna Maria (Randy), son Peter (Carolyn) and daughter Gabriella (late George Szilvasi); as well as his grandchildren, Justin (Kailey), Jessica and Brayden. Venanzio was predeceased by his father Silvestro, mother Anna; brothers, Domenico, Dionisio; sisters, Gilda, Annunziata and Maria.
Venanzio was born in San Giorgio di Crognaleto, Teramo, a pastoral village in the Abruzzi region of Italy. As children, pa' regaled us with his stories of tending to his flock of sheep, his military service in the Alpini mountain infantry division of the Italian army, and his years as a coal miner with his brother Domenico in Charleroi, Belgium. Venanzio and Domenico were part of the 50,000 Italian coal miners that worked in Belgium coal mines after the Second World War.
In 1959, Venanzio immigrated to Canada and joined his brother Domenico in Winnipeg. This was the start of the great wave of Abruzzesse immigration to Winnipeg, and many paesani families followed in the 1960s. Venanzio lived for over sixty years in the Fort Rouge, Lord Roberts area, a very densely Italian populated neighbourhood until the 1990s.
Venanzio was a hardworking man, a cement finisher who helped construct many of the tall buildings that made up the Winnipeg skyline. He was particularly proud of having worked on the Richardson building, Winnipeg's first skyscraper, which was completed in 1969.
In his retirement years, Venanzio's passion turned to running marathons, and due to his peak physical conditioning, he continued competing until his late 70s.
Sadly, during the last years of his life, Venanzio's mind was ravaged by vascular dementia. Yet, he was greatly comforted by his memories of his sheep flock, as well as his organetto playing. Venanzio especially loved listening to organetto music and it was a blessing to see him respond to this wonderful music.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private funeral will be held.
In lieu of flowers, it would be greatly appreciated that donations be made in Venanzio's name to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
Riposa in Pace, Pa'
Le stelle di mattino non ci sono ora papà
Ma noi sappiamo che tu sei lì sempre
Vegliare su di noi giorno e notte.
For online condolences or to light
a memorial candle please log on to www.mosaicfunerals.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 08, 2021
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Venanzo and my mother grew up together in San Giorgio, and he worked construction with my father. He was a frequent visitor at their home, and my parents and Venanzo loved recounting their experiences back in Italy, and in Winnipeg. He also loved talking to me and my brother Fred, and would tell us how proud he was of his children, with their sporting, academic, and career achievements. During the last few years, due to his condition, Venanzo was not able to visit us, and we all missed his gregarious personality. Sincerest condolences to the whole family from Silvana Scaramuzzi, Piero Scaramuzzi, and Fred Scaramuzzi. Rest In Peace Venanz. - Posted by: Piero Scaramuzzi ( Close friend) on: May 16, 2021
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My sincere condolences to the entire family. Vince helped my family many times with our vegetable gardens, stuccoing the garage, fixing our stairs and even pouring a concrete parking pad. Never, would he accept any money for all his hard work. A simple thank you was enough for Vince. The kindness that he exhibited to all, in assisting anyone who asked for help, has all but disappeared from our society these days. You were one of a kind, Venanzio! Mille grazie per la tua gentilleza. Riposa in pace, il nostro grand’amico. - Posted by: Rosa (Friend) on: May 16, 2021
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I spend many hours chatting with Peter. I felt like I knew Venanzio personally and he seemed like a very wonderful and caring man, my heart goes out to you and your family. Peter, my deepest condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Ricardo Musto (Work friend of Peter) on: May 14, 2021
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I knew Vince from working together on many job sites and on the soccer field watching Peter play. He was an enthusiastic fan to say the least. He was always full of stories and we had many laughs. Peter, my deepest condolences to you and your family. He was so proud of you! George Rakic, - Posted by: George Rakic (Friend) on: May 10, 2021
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Venanzio was a kind person, never hesitating to help his relatives and friends, gladly cutting grass in the summer or shovelling snow in the winter. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Al Jones (Friend) on: May 10, 2021
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On behalf of my late parents Tommaso and Anna Di Curzio and my siblings, our family would like to send our sincerest condolences to Venanzio's wife Concetta and to his children and grandchildren. Venanzio's personality lit up the room with his stories and his love of music. We loved his passion for making people laugh, and we were inspired by his marathon running. He was a staple in the Fort Rouge neighborhood. He will be missed. We send our prayers that you will find the strength to grieve during this time. We will all cherish the memories. Take care, The Di Curzio family - Posted by: Loreta Di Curzio (Family Friend ) on: May 10, 2021
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Venanzio never hesitated to help his neighbours. Thanks so much for all your help through the years. - Posted by: Vern (Friend) on: May 09, 2021
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I worked with Vince on many job sites, and also knew him from soccer. He was a very passionate spectator especially when his son Peter was playing. He was so proud of you Peter! Our condolences to you Peter and family. George Rakic, - Posted by: George Rakic (Friend) on: May 08, 2021
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Cari Zia Concetta, Anna Maria, Peter, Gabriella and families, So sad to the hear the passing of your dear husband and father, Venanzio. Zio was such a big part of my upbringing. Like shovelling my family out during the 1966 snow storm or our families spending Christmas eves together or coming home to see Zio cleaning out the eaves trough at my house. He had a knack for helping out if there was a need, sometimes without you even knowing it. Wishing you all peace in your heart during this difficult time. Love your niece and cousin, Anna Marinelli (Calgary) and family - Posted by: Anna Marinelli (niece) on: May 08, 2021
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Our heartfelt condolences to Venanzio's family, We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. We have very fond memories of Venanzio, one that really stand out for us is when he played his organetto and sang at our wedding. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Tony, Annie Cerasani and family (Friend) on: May 08, 2021
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We are so sad to hear of Vince's passing. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He would snowblow and mow the yards and driveways of most of the block! What an incredible man. All of this in his 80's. We were very blessed to have known him! - Posted by: Joe saurette (Former neighbor (461)) on: May 08, 2021
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Zio was a man with many talents and a big heart!!...and strong as an ox!!!! He would remind me how great my pop was and would have great conversations with my mum around our kitchen table ...1st time I heard my ma say m@fafugul@!!!!!! He ran more marathons then me!!!!!! He’s being welcomed to the garden in sky !!! ....a lot of hands to shake and cheeks to kiss. Ciao zio!!!! - Posted by: Iza Remo Marinelli (Nephew) on: May 08, 2021
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