Joseph Mingiardi

Joe leaves behind partner Anne Carter, former wife Joyce Mingiardi, daughter Anne Marie (Stefan Steiner) Mingiardi, and grandchildren Erik and Emily, and Manuel and Emy. Beloved Zio Pino to nieces and nephews living in Italy, Germany, and Ontario: Riccardo, Maria Rita, Adele, Maria, Francesco, Rosella, Luigi, and Mario. He was predeceased by his daughter Carla Mingiardi, who sadly left us only 6 months ago, siblings Mario, Rosaria, Grazia, Giuseppa, and Francesca, his niece Anna Canata, and his parents Mario Mingiardi and Maria (Spitale) Mingiardi. Born on December 21, 1930 in San Cono, Sicily, Italy, Joe was the youngest of 6 children. Joseph worked on the family land, and at age 21 did his compulsory 18 month military service. In 1954 he immigrated to Los Teques, Venezuela. In 1956, along with his sister Francesca and brother-in-law Angelo Montana, he immigrated to Hamilton, Canada to join another sister, Grazia and her family.

During his early years in Hamilton, he worked several jobs, went to night school, and learned English. He was accepted into a business course at Mohawk College. His persistence in “knocking on doors” led him to be hired by 3M. In 1960 he married Joyce Marseille. In 1963 he became a proud Canadian citizen, was recognized as being among the top 6 salesmen in Canada, and welcomed his first child, Anne Marie. Carla was born 2 years later. He was promoted to branch manager in 1969 when 3M opened a new office in Kitchener and the family relocated to the Stanley Park area. Mingcom came into existence in 1983 when Joe purchased the branch from 3M, and he continued to provide sales and service of office equipment to the region until his retirement in 2005. He enjoyed being part of the local business community, and as time passed he was able to spend winters in Florida, driving there in his beloved motorhome. Later in his life, he met Anne Carter who was a devoted companion to him until the end. Joseph had a love of the finer things in life. He loved to cook, travel, became an avid photographer, and read widely in English, Italian and Spanish. He had a great love of his family and kept in touch with those on both sides of the Atlantic. He loved a good joke, and always found a Sicilian saying to fit the situation.

A private service was held on March 10 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington Ontario, where he was laid to rest. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 12, at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S, Kitchener, ON N2E 2X5, from 2pm – 5pm. Remembrances will start at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Grand River Hospital Foundation, St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation, or your favourite charity.

Riposa in Pace.

Always in our hearts.