Natalino Stefano "Lino" Pozzobon

Natalino was the beloved husband of Gemma (née Cavarzan), just two days shy of their 65th Wedding Anniversary. She always lovingly called him “Nino”. Together, they shared a lifetime built on devotion, partnership, and enduring love.

He was a deeply devoted father to Claudio (Silvia), Rick (Sonya), Linda (Mike Graham), and Don, and a proud and loving Nonno to Marcus (Kenzie), Lucas (fiancée Claire), Nicolas, Brianna (partner Matt), Tyrus Robinson (Tyler), Kobe Robinson (partner Angelica), Alyssa Graham (Matt Clarke), and Alyson Graham. His presence in their lives was steady, gentle, and unwavering.

Natalino was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1931, in the small village of Fanzolo, Province of Treviso, Italy. He was predeceased by his parents, Arcangelo Pozzobon (†1977) and Margherita (née Gazzola, †1973). He was the dear brother of Pierina (†1923), Padre Pietro Placido, Giovanni (predeceased by his wife Gina †2023), and Giuseppe (†2022) and sister-in-law Luciana. Natalino is lovingly remembered by several generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins in both Italy and Canada.

In October 1951, as a young, sponsored immigrant filled with hope and determination, Natalino made his journey aboard the ocean liner Conte Biancamano, arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in search of a better life. Ten years later, he returned to Italy for the love of his life, Gemma, from the same village. She joined him in Canada in 1961, and together they settled into their first home on Duke Street in Guelph, where they began raising their family and putting down roots that would last a lifetime.

Throughout his working years, Natalino was known for his strong work ethic and quiet reliability. He worked at Matthew Wells Pickling, Crowe Foundry, Fiberglass, General Electric, TTI, and ABB, where he ultimately retired at the age of 64.

Some of the fondest family memories include picnics, beach days, summer drives with ice cream stops at Lake Belwood, evenings watching Hockey Night in Canada, roasting chestnuts, playing home bingo for nickels and dimes, and the cherished tradition of annual winemaking.

A passionate fisherman, Natalino proudly displayed some of his prized catches in the den. He was also the biggest soccer fan we knew, never missing a game—first by radio during the childhood years of his family, and later television, no matter the country or league. He had a playful sense of humour and took particular delight in teasing his children’s dogs with treats, always with a big smile on his face.

In retirement, Natalino found joy and friendship while playing cards and bocce at the Italian Canadian Club and the Guelph Royal Bisobo Club, and occasionally at the Croatian Club for a change of scenery. Remarkably active well into his 80s, he rode his mountain bike on trails to Guelph Lake, walked daily, and spent countless hours gardening.

In his 90s, health challenges gradually slowed him physically, but his appreciation for life never faded. He loved sitting on the porch, watching the traffic and neighbours go by. In the winter at dusk, he found quiet comfort watching the mourning doves settle safely into the Alaskan Blue Spruce tree. Nothing brought him greater happiness than our mom’s cooking and baking—his sweet tooth always satisfied after every lunch and dinner.

We are deeply grateful that he passed peacefully, and we take comfort knowing that his spirit remains with us, woven into our days and our memories.

We will miss you dearly, Nino, Dad, Popa, Nonno.

In keeping with Natalino’s wishes, a private family service will be held at Gilbert MacIntyre Funeral Home, followed by private entombment at Marymount Cemetery.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to Drs. Graham, Collie, and Martin, and to the Palliative Care nurses on the 7th floor at Guelph General Hospital, with special gratitude to Alannah, Draga, Mark, and Nicole for their extraordinary compassion and kindness.

As expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations to The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital would be sincerely appreciated.