It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our Nanni, Pops/Pa on the eve of his 87th birthday.
Born to Emilio and Genoveffa (Bisetto) Maggiolo in Casacorba, Italy on July 19, 1937, Nanni was reunited with his daughter, Lorella, in time to celebrate their birthdays together once again.
He leaves behind his beloved wife and dance partner of 65 years, Diva (Conte); his children Tiziana Campagnolo (Tony), Judy Marchegiano (Chuck) and David Maggiolo (Claudia); 9 grandchildren who loved him dearly, Tyler, Erin (Phil), Sean (Alisha), Dana (Shaun), Avril, Taryn (Arnold), Dylan (Rachael), Lucca, Domenico, and his 13 beautiful great grandchildren.
The fifth of 8 children, Nanni was predeceased by Maria, Mario, Regina, Angela, Aurelio and Angelo. He is survived by his brother, Ferdinando (Ivana), as well as many nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy.
Pops/Pa emigrated from Italy at 18 to build a better life so that he could raise his family in the life he dreamed. With skilled hands he built our family home and helped to build many others in the neighbourhood. He and Diva also built a cottage in Wasaga Beach where all friends and family were welcomed day or night. Many winters were spent in Florida playing and winning trophies in shuffleboard. He loved to travel, visiting St. Lucia, Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, east and west coasts of Canada, and of course, back to his home country.
Our dad was quick to lend a hand, build something for you, or fix anything you needed fixing. There was nothing he couldn’t do, from electrical, plumbing and framing to building dollie cradles for his granddaughters.
He had many jobs in his early years in Canada but the one he talked about the most as his memory faded was that of delivering bread and pop, along with stories that brought laughter. Nanni was always ready for conversation and to laugh with others. He so loved people, get-togethers, and parties. Never would he turn down an invitation to dinner or just a visit and a Corretto.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff and doctors of Derbecker’s Heritage Home in St. Jacob’s for the care given to our dad in his last few months.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph (519-821-5077). A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. A private family funeral service will take place at a later date with entombment at Our Lady Immaculate Mausoleum, Marymount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer or Lymphoma societies in memory of Giovanni. Donations can be made in person at the funeral home (cash and cheques accepted) or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com