Obituary of Carmine Florio

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dearly loved father with his daughter Anna and son Joe by his side, at the Sault Area Hospital on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 92. Finally reunited with his beloved wife Maria after 38 years. Loving father of Anna Coccimiglio (late Saverio) and Joe Florio. Proud grandfather of Carmela Coccimiglio, Danny Coccimiglio (Shelley), Maria Louise Rancourt (Chris), Michael Iuliano, Natasha DeActis (Steve) and Adrian Colak-Florio (Ali Edwards). Nonno cherished each one of them. It made him so happy to have visits from his great-grandchildren: Silas and Avery Coccimiglio, Rory and Theodore Rancourt, and Nicholas DeActis. Dad was born in Aiello Calabro, Cosenza, Calabria on March 27, 1928, and is the loving son of the late Angela and the late Giuseppe Florio and son-in-law of the late Francesca and the late Ferrante Coccimiglio. Dearly loved brother of the late Gaspare Florio (late Rosaria) of Sault Ste. Marie and the late Francesca Borgese (late Peppino) of France. Brother-in-law of the late Angela Iacucci (late Emilio), Saveria Adamo (late Antonio), Emilia Salomone (Antonio), and Lucia Guzzo (late Fortunato). Uncle of many nieces and nephews in Canada and France. Carmine arrived in Canada on April 23, 1960 with his family, a strong back, and dedicated work ethic. He was a proud man who always carried himself with dignity and who valued the concept of quality over quantity. This concept was fully evident in the pride he took tending to his organic garden and making his homemade wine and salami. He loved to share the fruits of his labour and a hearty glass of wine with his neighbours, friends, and relatives. Dad worked in France for a number of years to provide for his family back home in Italy. In Sault Ste, Marie, he worked at S.D. Adams, Dominion Bridge, and retired from Algoma Steel. Dad had a difficult life as a boy, he lost his father when he was 7. In school he was honoured as the capo di classa (head of the class) and got to lead the students in daily activities. Unfortunately, he had to leave school to help his mother and siblings on the farm. Although his formal education ended early, he was a lifelong learner and taught himself English when he arrived in Canada. His children and grandchildren loved listening to his colourful stories. Dad had a phenomenal memory and witty nature which we witnessed until the very end. Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service will be held. Memorial donations to Meals on Wheels or the Sault Area Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, PSWs, and volunteers at the Sault Area Hospital, Van Daele and Sonia Boyd for taking such good care of Dad. Dad appreciated the warm food and kind conversations with the generous volunteers at Meals on Wheels, to whom we are thankful. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Recpetion Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). Dad will remain in our hearts forever.