Giannino "John" Savio

Giannino, a man whose life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and the joy of simple pleasures. Born on October 19, 1936, in Sant'Eulalia, Borso del Grappa, Treviso, Italy, Giannino embarked on a journey that would eventually establish his roots in Burnaby, British Columbia. He passed away on December 13, 2024. Giannino's story is one of courage and determination. He crossed the Atlantic in 1954, a young man with a heart full of dreams and a willingness to embrace the opportunities that lay ahead. His early years in Canada were spent working various odd jobs, but he found his calling in the construction industry in British Columbia. His passion for building was not just in structures, but also in the strong foundation he laid for his family. He was the beloved husband of Natalina Savio for 64 years, father to Rosemary, (predeceased by Larry), Liana (Bruce), Doris, and Johnny (Daniela) and a cherished Nonno to four grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers, Corrado and Bepo, and his brother-in-laws Mario and Renato Dalla Zanna. He will be mourned by his brother Renato (Palmira) in Italy and by relatives in Australia, Italy, and California. Giannino was an avid walker, often found strolling through Confederation Park, and in his earlier days, he enjoyed hunting. His hands were skilled in the art of winemaking, and his garden was a vibrant canvas of nature's bounty. Family dinners, where he would share the fruits of his labor, were sacred to him. He was always ready to lend a hand, whether it was volunteering to cook for Italian picnics, or bingo at the Italian Centre, or simply helping anyone in need. His love for the Vancouver Canucks was matched only by his love for a good conversation over a glass of wine. Giannino had the gift of being able to strike up a conversation with anyone. His generosity of spirit and his passion for life were his hallmarks, and he was as handy with advice and support as he was with tools. Giannino was a member of the Confratellanza Italo-Canadese since 1966, the Italian Cultural Centre, Trevisani Nel Mondo and volunteer with the Amici degli Alpini. His legacy is not in the structures he helped build but in the unbreakable bonds of family, friendship, and community that he forged. The path you've paved for others will be traveled for generations to come. Prayers at 7:00 PM on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2025, at St. Helen's Parish, 3860 Triumph St. Burnaby Funeral service at 11:00 AM on Thursday Jan 9, 2025, at St Helen's Parish. An entombment service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday Jan 9, 2025, at Ocean View funeral home 4000 Imperial St Burnaby. Reception to follow at Ocean View. Thank you to ComForCare Surrey for the companions. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimers Society of BC appreciated.