Giuseppe Pizzo

It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Giuseppe Pizzo had to say goodbye to their beloved patriarch on August 19, 2021 after a second brave battle with cancer. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Giuseppe managed his illness with strength, grace and humour, wanting nothing more than to spend as much time with loved ones as possible. Giuseppe passed away peacefully in the way he wanted, surrounded by his loving wife and adored sons.

Hailing from the town of Palazzolo Acreide in Sicily, the sixth of ten children, Giuseppe had nothing but warm, wonderful memories of his childhood, often sharing colourful tales of many years spent celebrating the festival of San Paolo, marveling in a firework show that no YouTube video would ever do justice.

Coming to Canada at the age of 17, Giuseppe soon built a full and friendly life in Guelph. Despite being a soccer fan through and through (not to mention an impressive player himself), some of his happiest moments were spent in cold arenas, watching his sons excel at hockey. Years later, Giuseppe would still proudly reminisce about the leadership and sheer skill his boys would display as kids on the ice.

But nothing filled his life more than his family, starting with his cherished wife Rita. While most couples would be happy to spend time apart, Giuseppe took every last pleasure in taking long vacations with his wife or simply spending each evening sitting on the porch side-by-side, making new friends in the neighbourhood and checking in with old ones.

Along with his wife Rita, Giuseppe also leaves behind sons Robert (Bianca), Jason (Julie) and Adam (Paige). As wonderful a father as he was, Giuseppe was a superhero of a grandfather. Grandkids Owen, Ethan, Stella, Cole and Ryley will truly miss their Nonno, who never missed an opportunity to get down on the ground and work himself into a sweat just to see a smile or hear a laugh. He may have even snuck them a few extra treats here and there, but no one would dare rat him out.

As devastated as everyone is by the magnitude of this loss, Giuseppe's family is comforted at the thought of him singing at the top of his lungs and showing off some fancy footwork wherever he may be

Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 24 2021 from 1:00-9:00pm at the Hart Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 25 2021 at 10:00am at Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, 28 Norfolk St, Guelph.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, guests must RSVP their attendance through the funeral home website for both the visitation AND the Funeral Mass. Masks are mandatory and social distancing will be in place. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Hospice Wellington or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Donations can be made on his memorial page at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com. A recording of the Funeral Mass will be available on the church's YouTube channel within a few days after the service for those who are unable to attend.