Mr. Giovanni “John” Prete age 59 years, a resident of Thunder Bay passed away at the Toronto General Hospital on May 7, 2023 following a lengthy illness.
John, the eldest of 4 children, to Alessandro and Gina was a person who loved with all he had & gave to everyone, he was a person of reason, he was always calm and supporting with all who knew him. John’s passion for learning lead him into a teaching career. After graduating from Lakehead University as a teacher, he moved to Hearst for his first teaching position at their elementary school. He later moved to Southern Ontario where he continued his teaching career with the York District Catholic School Board at their elementary school St. Thomas Aquinas, Keswick Ontario.
John was a talented musician from an early age playing the accordion and guitar, and most recently learning and practicing keyboard, he loved to share with family and friends and later to his students at school and parishioners at church. Growing up he was an active student of bodybuilding which led to many of his great achievements from winning bench press competitions for his weight category to winning overall. At 150 lbs soaking wet he benched pressed more than some 250 lb men. John played many sports from hockey, to football, soccer and wrestling for Lakehead University as well as Judo classes with his son Michael.
He was a proud alumnus of the Lakehead University academics and wrestling team. Always learning, he became a Realtor and Mortgage Agent, practicing for many years while he was teaching. When his professional life didn’t keep him busy, he could be found doing woodworking projects and landscaping for himself and others. He recently moved back to Thunder Bay to be close to family and friends.
John passed away at the Toronto General Hospital while waiting for a heart transplant after battling cardiac disease for many years. John led his life with love and family was always first. He was amazed & proud of his children, Michael & David, for their incredible accomplishments. John also had a special bond with his stepdaughter Kimberly, teaching her to drive and supporting her when needed. John was a very caring man that always made time to help family and friends.
He will be lovingly remembered by his spouse and companion of 15 years Tammy, mother Gina, sons Michael and David, siblings Giorgio (Stephanie), Saverio (Debbie), Sandra, step-daughter Kimberly Zio & Zia Salvatore & Immaculata Miceli and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was predeceased by his Father Alessandro Prete on May 8, 2011.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 when family and friends will gather in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church for Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 am, celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini, with cremation to follow. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Should friends desire, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
