MICHELINO GAROFALO

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MICHELINO GAROFALO It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Michelino Garofalo, on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at St. Boniface Hospital, at the age of 86. Michelino was predeceased by his parents Antonio and Giuseppa Garofalo, his brother Stefano, sisters Mariannina and Natalina, his grandson Paul, and nieces and nephews in Italy and Venezuela. Remaining to cherish Michelino's memory is his wife of 62 years, Donatina, sons: Antonio and wife Lora; Angelo and wife Roslyn; grandchildren Michael, Daniel (Sarah), Christopher (Jaclyn), Michael, Jillian and Adam and great-granddaughter, Isabella. Also survived by sister-in-law, Immacolata Garofalo; nephew Antonio and wife Julie, niece Giuseppina (Josie) Zimarino and husband Giuseppe (Pino) and families as well as his brother Matteo and wife Teresa, and numerous nieces and nephews in Italy, France, Switzerland and Venezuela. Michelino was born on December 6, 1928 in San Bartolomeo in Galdo, Benevento, Italy. In 1952 Michelino and Donatina were married and soon Antonio was born. After performing military service in Italy, Michelino worked in Venezuela alongside his brothers Stefano and Matteo returning to Italy in 1962. Shortly thereafter, he found employment in Switzerland for a few years. Meanwhile Angelo was born. In 1968 Michelino and his young family immigrated to Canada to start their new lives. Michelino worked as a baker with a few businesses before taking ownership of the Charleswood Pastry shop in the late 1970s, retiring in 1996. Dad believed that fresh bread should be available to his customers when the doors opened at 9:00 a.m.; he regularly worked late into the night and very early into the morning to ensure bread and pastry were ready. Gardening was Dad's passion, often sharing his bounty with his family, neighbours and friends. In his younger years Dad was surrounded by family and friends, hosting festas in his home filled with laughter, song, food and drink. Many a family picnic turned into adventures with friends and their families - many of those families taking buses loaded with baskets of food to their preferred picnic spots. Dad was the life of the party. With the passage of time these events happened less often, eventually dwindling to family gatherings. Dad was always at the center of our gatherings. Dad's shoes will never be filled again. Visitation will be held Monday, April 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Avenue. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Father Sam Argenziano presiding. Entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, 3990 Portage Avenue. The family would like to extend our thanks to the staff of St. Boniface Hospital for their compassion and professionalism. If so desired donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2015