Obituary of Roberto Stefanizzi

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful and quiet passing of Roberto Stefanizzi on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Beloved and respected father of Cathy Szczepaniak (Ed) and Gabe (Patti). Proud and loving Nonno of Michael (Annelise) and David (Ashley) Szczepaniak and Brianna and Sierra Stefanizzi. Roberto leaves to mourn his sisters Luisa Derenzo and Lina Stefanizzi, both of Italy and brother-in-law Gino Amodeo (Gloria) of Timmins. He is predeceased by his wife Elena, parents Gabriele and Caterina Stefanizzi and brother-in-law Santo Amodeo (late Noris). He is a loved Zio and cousin of many, both in Canada and Italy. Born November 15, 1927 in Figline Vegliaturo, Calabria, Roberto and his beloved wife Elena left to start a new and better life in Canada in 1957. They first settled in Timmins, Ontario where they lived with family as they learned the language and sought employment. Pa worked underground at the gold mine until one day in 1963 when there was a cave in that nearly took his life. It was then that they decided to move to Sault Ste. Marie to seek employment at Algoma Steel. Through hard work and savings, they were soon able to purchase their family home, where they lived until the passing of Elena in October 2013. Roberto’s rich Italian heritage was evident in his love of gardening, sausage and salami making and wine making. He always shared the blessings from his fertile garden with family and friends. It gave him great pleasure to pass on the fine art of sausage and salami making as well as wine making to his son and son-in-law, who continue to carry on the Stefanizzi traditions each year. How he loved to spend afternoons with Elena baking homemade bread, taralli and his famous lasagna for his family to enjoy. Family was first and foremost in his heart. The time he was able to spend with his precious grandchildren in his 30 years of retirement was a source of great joy. How he loved us all! He taught by example about perseverance and hard work and the importance of love of family. His words of caring and wisdom will live on forever in the hearts of his children and grandchildren. He had a strong belief in God and lived his life each day following the word of God. Since his move to Extendicare Mapleview in the fall of 2013, Roberto has touched the lives of numerous visitors and staff. Anyone who met him, respected and remembered him for his friendly smile and caring ways. To know him was to love him and we will love you forever. Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758) on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held at St. Gregory’s Church on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Trevor Scarfone officiating. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the SAH Foundation or St. Gregory’s Parish would be appreciated. The family would like to thank the staff of Tunnel Lake at Extendicare Mapleview for their compassion and care.