It is with profound sadness that we the family announce the passing of Cosimo Pasqualino, our beloved Husband, Father, Nonno, and Great Nonno on December 18, 2023, with loving family by his side. Cosimo was born on July 18, 1936 in Siderno, Italy. He immigrated to Canada in 1972 where he built a new foundation for his family and had resided here in Thunder Bay since. He worked as a roofing labourer for many years until his retirement from Racco’s Industrial Roofing. Cosimo instilled a strong work ethic from a very young age and carried that characteristic in him in everything he did. He was a committed, loyal, and hard-working individual who always lent a helping hand and put the needs of others above his own. He instilled a strong influence to “do the best you can do” in our upbringing and we will be forever grateful for this, and hope to continue carrying forward his true values in all of our families. Even when we noticed a decline in his physical wellbeing, it didn’t stop him from trying. He continued to support us with truly the best care that any family could ever ask for, until he could no longer do so. This is one of his greatest legacies that will always be remembered. His courageous spirit, his strong will to live, and the resilience he portrayed at his weakest times are inspirations to us all. He was a humble, caring, good-hearted man and a friend to all who knew him. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, making wine, spending time with family, his daily morning walks in Intercity Mall, and his coffee get-togethers right after with close friends.
Cosimo will be forever loved and deeply missed by wife Rosina of 60 wonderful years together. Son Carlo (Susanna) Pasqualino, Daughters Mirella (Enzo) Riccio, Gisella (Mike) Figliomeni. Cherished by grandchildren Rosamaria (James) Porobic, Alessandra (Evan) DeGrazia, Cosimo Pasqualino (Cassidy Gillis), Lorenzo Pasqualino & fiancée Elaina Turcotte, Vincenzo (Andrea) Riccio, Lisamarie Riccio & fiancé Darin Pretto, and Michael Figliomeni. Great-grandchildren Janelle and Giordano Porobic and Aaliyah Riccio. He will be held dear in the hearts of his sisters Ida Lizzi, Rosetta and Anna Pasqualino, and all surviving relatives in Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Italy. Predeceased by parents Maria and Carlo Pasqualino, mother and father in law Emelia and Giuseppe Sgambelluri, sister Lina, brothers Rocco, Vincenzo, Armando, Giuseppe, and Antonio. As well as other brother/sisters-in law, nieces, and nephews both in Canada and Italy.
Our families acknowledge with sincere appreciation all expressions of kindness to each of our families during this time of bereavement. As per all of our family’s comfort, a private funeral Mass will be held with immediate family at St. Dominic Church to be celebrated by Father Mike Mahoney. Entombment will follow at Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, if family or friends so desire, donations may be made in honour of Cosimo to a charity of your choice.
With much gratitude, we the family would also like to thank Dr. Capello for her compassion and care throughout all these years. To Nurse Practitioner Megan Ross for providing great assistance with all necessary needs to assist our Father. A special thank you to Cosimo’s home health care nurse Pierre Belda from Paramed. Words cannot express enough the exceptional care you have delivered since day one, and for the compassion you showed Cosimo and all of our family members. You truly made our Dad feel comfortable and assured him with every home care visit. To all the Personal Support Workers from Bayshore Home HealthCare, we have so much gratitude for the support you provided Cosimo to continue being at his home until his passing. He truly respected each and every one of you.
