Giovanni Cassatini

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Gianni, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother in law, uncle and friend. He left us to be with our Lord and our departed loved ones on November 24, 2023, while having his adoring wife, Delia, by his side. A hard fought battle with cancer that he endured so gracefully, ended at St. Michael’s Centre Hospice, Burnaby, B.C.

He leaves to mourn forever Delia, his wife and best friend of 54 years, daughters Anette (Ulf), Sandra, son Robert, grandsons Demetrius (Sofia), Andrea and Marcus, brother in law Renato, niece Rosalia, nephew Alessandro, great nephew and nieces and many extended family members. Predeceased by his loved ones, mother Carmela, father Giuseppe, brother Giuseppe, sister Sandra, mother in law Elvira, father in law Antonio and beloved grandson Dominique.

Gianni was born in his beautiful town of Milazzo, Sicily, where he spent his early and carefree years. His family later moved to Merano and Bolzano where he completed his education. At a young age, he moved to Dusseldorf, Germany where he practiced his trade for 5 years. In 1964, he decided to explore Canada, arriving in Montreal accompanied with his Alfa Romeo Veloce and made the drive to Vancouver in 3 days. There, through her uncle Giovanni, he met and married the love of his life, Delia.

He is remembered by family and friends for his kindness, humbleness, generosity, unwavering loyalty, great sense of humour, encouragement, optimism and great zest for life. His warm, contagious smile and hugs lit up every room he entered. He would always seize the opportunity to help anyone when needed, no matter who they were, unconditionally. He thoroughly enjoyed engaging with anyone he met, helping and encouraging them however he could. Despite his years, he was young in mind and spirit and could relate to any age, touching everyone he met with his great energy and positivity and kindness.

He enjoyed greatly his career of 30 years with Johnson Controls until he retired at the age of 59, taking with him many life long friends. Shortly after, he became involved (through friends) with the coffee industry, specifically Nuova Simonelli and Victoria Arduino coffee machines, and this became his next passion spanning the next 20+ years, being their ambassador, travelling to cities in 5 continents, spreading his enthusiasm, and meeting so many new friends. He was really grateful to spend these last years of his life working and meeting so many interesting people and certainly leaving his mark in the coffee industry.

He also had many hobbies along the way; sports car racing (in his younger years), fishing, winemaking, skiing, windsurfing, playing cards, backgammon tournaments, gardening, giving away his prized tomato seedlings along with homemade tomato sauce, and following his Grand Prix Formula One races and Milan soccer games. He was at his best having family and friends around his table enjoying food and a glass of wine.

He left us with love, so many beautiful memories and will be missed forever.

The family thanks Royal Columbian Hospital, Burnaby Hospital, Fraser Health Home Care and Annie’s Place and St. Michael’s Hospice, who all contributed to his care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Centre Hospice or Children’s Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Our Lady of Sorrows, 555 Slocan Street, Vancouver. Entombment to follow at Ocean View Burial Park - South Mausoleum, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby.