Natale Pasquale Gaccione

Natale Pasquale Gaccione

Caro figlio, dear son, caro fratello, dear brother, caro marito, dear husband, caro padre, dear father, caro nono, dear grandfather, caro bisnonno, great grandfather, caro zio, dear uncle, e caro amico, and dear friend.

Rich in kindness and slow to anger. These are the qualities that describe my dear zio. All who knew him would know that he always had a smile on his face and a greeting of kindness upon seeing you. I often recall his greeting of bella as he kissed and greeted me. How does one describe a man who has Natale, Christmas, and Pasqua, Easter in his name? He was a man who gave new birth and new life to all he touched. It is not a surprise that he was gifted with his hands to create, a skilled carpenter, someone who could repair just about anything. I can easily recall coming to his home in Bayview and as you approached the garage, which often resembled a deep, mysterious abyss, you could hear him working inside creating something with his hands. There was also the possibility of seeing a moose carcass waiting to be skinned or a goat, to be prepared for Easter dinner. Be it from wood or be it something mechanical, if there was a problem this humble man with little formal education could fix it and make it better or create it and make it new.

I remember visiting the rabbits he raised and his smile at my joy when he would let me feed them. Unfortunately many of them ended up on our table. The “chicken” was always good. Uno petso di panne, meaning a piece of bread. This Italian expression is a perfect description of my zio. When translated in English as a slice of bread you may be wondering how this description applies. He was wholesome, life sustaining, complimentary to all. Bread can stand-alone or can complement a meal. Bread is simple yet nourishing and hardy. This is who zio Natale was to all he met. He loved his family very dearly. I’m sure his sons Jimmy, Danny, and Frank have learned many skills growing up with their father as a handy man. And to his girls, Rosa, Bruna, and Tina; if there was a picture frame Rosa needed for her art, or something to be fixed for Bruna, or cupboards to be made for Tina’s house, he was always happy to do it. He adored his wife Maria, who worked tirelessly to raise 6 children. Although she was an excellent cook, so was zio Natale. Fried moose meat with peppers and patate was no problem for him. Moose hunting was also a favourite pass time. Where else would he get his ingredients for cooking. To his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends, if there was a hardwood floor to be installed, a roof to be shingled, or a garage to be built he was your guy. If he was doing a job, you can be sure that close behind or at his side was his brother Angelo Gaccione lending a helping hand.

So it is appropriate that this man who had Natale, Christmas, as his first name and Pasqua, Easter, as his middle name, was a gift to this life and to all he touched. We hope and have faith that we will see him again through Easter and the resurrection. Au revoir caro zio, till we see each other again.

Love your niece,

Louisa Brescacin

GACCIONE, Natale Pasquale – Peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at the age of 86. Beloved husband of Maria. Loving father of Rose (Dan Connolly), Bruna (Terry Boissonneault), Jim (Tori Cook), Deni, Frank and Tina (Jeff Rantamaki). Cherished Nonno of Adam, Erica, Christopher, Corey, Natalie, Vince, Jesse, Nicholas and Kyle. Bisnonno of Brooke, Alexander and Mackenzie. Dear brother of Angelo Gaccione (Tuire), Maria Gallo (Frank) of New York, Carolina Elia (late Ernesto) of Italy, Immacolata Piluso (Cesarino) of Italy and twin sister Nunzia Palermo (late Ernesto) of Italy. Brother-in-law of the late Joe Cassavia (Tomasina), Gemma Masci (Angelo), Flora Reale (late Vince), Lina Rodighieri (late Richardo), late Marcel Cassavia (late Tuula) and the late Tita Zubaio (late Alberto). Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Natale was born in Acri, Italy on April 11, 1928, the oldest son of Vincenzo Gaccione and Rosa Servidio. He grew up in Italy and was married to Maria in 1954. In 1956 they relocated to Sault Ste. Marie. He retired from working at Algoma Steel. He loved to build furniture, to work in his garden and also play a good game of bocce. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Sunday, June 15, 2014 from 6 – 9 pm. Funeral Mass to be celebrated from St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church on Monday, June 16, 2014 at 10 am. Rev. Francis Ezenezi officiating. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. The family would like to thank the F.J. Davey Home staff, Dr. Febbraro, Dr. Booth and staff for their care and compassion. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com