Elio Ganzini

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Elio Ganzini; husband, father, Nonno and friend to many, on the 21st of April, 2021. Elio is predeceased by his loving wife Enza (2015), whom he married on December 21, 1956 in Windsor and celebrated 59 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by his loving children John (Ann Wong), Loretta (John Briden) and Dennis, and his adoring granddaughters Erika and Bianca. Elio is survived by many nieces and nephews in Italy and nephew Dario Cargnelli (Maggie) and family of Windsor. Predeceased by his parents Bonifacio and Maria, his older siblings Iride (Ermes), Luigi (Maria) and Alide (Angelo), and brother in law, Angelo Pasqualini; all of Italy. Elio was born on the 11th of August, 1930 in the Friuli region of Italy. Growing up, Elio had a passion for history, cycling, soccer and education however, his education was halted in 1943 during World War II. Farming became a way of life for the next few years. Following the war, in 1947, Elio resumed his education nearby in Sedigliano where he excelled in construction design and was able to gain employment working in construction. Elio would then spend 1950 and 1951 working in construction in Luxembourg. He served his Italian military duty in 1952, then worked in Udine and Trieste in 1953, learning the terrazzo trade. He then returned to Luxembourg in 1954 to continue refining his terrazzo skills. Elio left Italy on the 1st of May in 1955 and arrived in Canada on the 10th of May at Pier 21 Halifax. With his ability to understand French, Immigration Canada sent him to Quebec City where he would spend three weeks delivering flyers. He then moved to Windsor and commenced working for Ambassador Tile as a terrazzo craftsman. He would spend the next four years working for Ambassador and Colautti Tile before moving on to Rossini Tile where he spent the next seventeen years. In 1976, Elio left construction to pursue employment with Ford Motor Company until his retirement in December 1990.

Elio spent a wonderful thirty year retirement traveling, watching soccer (Juventus and Udinese were his favourites) and bicycle racing (the Giro di Italia and the Tour de France), reading and going to the library (an avid history enthusiast he was), listening and attending opera shows at the theatre where often times he was accompanied by his granddaughter Erika, making his delicious gnocchi (that we will miss), driving errands for his nephew’s company and still doing some ceramic tile work for friends and family. However, Elio’s most proud accomplishment was being a Nonno to Erika and Bianca. He enjoyed teaching them their multiplication times tables, taking them to the playground riding their bikes around the track at St. John Vianney and sharing with them endless stories of history. He will be dearly missed by his granddaughters, whom they admire and adore him endlessly. Elio was a longstanding member and past board member of the Fogolar Furlan Club, member of Unifor Local 200, and a former member of the Bricklayers, Tilesetter and Terrazzo Local 6 Union. The family would like to thank Elio’s longtime family physician and friend, Dr. Michael Leung, Dr Hamm and staff at the Cancer Clinic, as well as the staff at Met hospital for their care and compassion. Additional thanks to Dr Wallace Liang for his help and support. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association or to the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. A private family service and cremation has already taken place. Elio’s cremated remains will be interred with his beloved wife Enza at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Walter D Kelly Life Celebration Centre (519-252-5711) and online condolences may be left at www.walterdkellyfuneralhome.com

To a life well lived and a man well loved, Elio Ganzini (Papa & Nonno) may you rest in peace.