Rinaldo Torneo Magno Finamore

It is with deep sadness and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Rinaldo Torneo Magno Finamore on January 17, 2025. He was a devoted husband and father, expert craftsman, builder, businessman and passionate community advocate. Rinaldo was born on November 5, 1929 in Bagnoli del Trigno, Isernia, Italy. He married Michelina (Lina) Lippucci on July 7, 1956 in Vancouver and they enjoyed over 68 years of marriage. Rinaldo was predeceased by his parents, Giuseppe and Angiolina Finamore, and sisters Ida, Emilia, and Maria Concetta. He is survived by his loving wife Lina; son Joe, daughter-in-law Carla, and son Sergio. He also leaves behind his son Joe's dear mother-in-law Maria, many nephews, nieces, and dear friends in Canada and Italy. Rinaldo arrived in Canada shortly after doing military service in Italy, on July 1st, Canada Day, 1952. Rinaldo derived skills in woodworking alongside his father growing up in Italy. With further training and education in building design and construction in his early years in Vancouver, he started out on his own as an independent building contractor. He established Finamore Construction Ltd. and went on to build many Vancouver Specials, single family and duplex homes, and a few warehouses before retiring. He set up another business with his wife and sons to manage some of the properties that he developed or acquired. Rinaldo was an active member of the Italian community in Vancouver, serving as President of the Famiglia Bagnolese Society where he enjoyed the organization of the Association banquets and picnics and delivering his speeches to a captive audience. He is a founding member of the Italian Cultural Centre Society and involved in the original building. He served as Treasurer of the Centro for 5 years, volunteering countless hours to the financial affairs in the first challenging decade of operations, as well as to the facility needs, managing and then continuing to volunteer at the Sunday bingo for decades. On behalf of the Italian Centre, Rinaldo negotiated with the City of Vancouver for the land agreement to build the Casa Serena Seniors' Home and provided oversight of the building project. He was the driving force behind the creation of the First Italian City Savings Credit Union on Hastings Street whose mission was to provide service to members of the Italian community and assist with community project funding. Beginning in his mid 60's, and for over 20 years, Rinaldo and Lina would spend every April to September in Bagnoli. There they spent time with Lina's parents Alberto and Emilia, and brother Mario until his tragic passing. It was there that he created a park in honour of Mario. Despite Rinaldo's life threatening bout with cancer at the age of 67, once sufficiently recovered, he was able to enjoy those many springs and summers in Italy with relatives and friends. He was a man of intellect, strong will and character, and extremely generous to many. May he rest in peace. The family would like to deeply thank the Doctors and Staff of Burnaby General Hospital Ward 3D, for their care of Dad in his final month.

Visitation will be held at Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel, Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 between 6 and 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 30th, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Jude's Parish, 3078 Renfrew Street, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to BC Cancer Foundation or a charity of your choice.

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