Luigi Magnifico

With family by his side reminiscing about all the love and support he brought to our lives for several decades, Luigi passed away on the morning of Saturday, August 10, 2013. Profound sadness does not come close to describing what our family feels about this tremendous and unexpected loss. Luigi’s long-time motto was “fight for life” and ultimately, Luigi died as he lived – valiantly fighting for life!

Luigi’s story began on March 31, 1923 in Piano Vomano, Italy, as he was the first-born son of parents Gaetano Magnifico and Anna Fedele Mariani. His beloved mother died when he was only two years old and even though he didn’t remember Anna Fedele, her picture always occupied a prominent place in his heart and home. Luigi had three siblings, an older sister Teresa, who predeceased him, and two younger brothers, Giuseppe and Antonio. His childhood, teens and early 20s were a mixture of play, school, work and the war, until he and members of the family followed Gaetano to Canada in 1948.

That same year, Luigi met Elvira Faraco at Holy Rosary Church and it didn’t take long for the sparks to fly – one year later they were married and over the next seven years they had three children - Anna Maria, Liz and Jo. In addition to taking care of his girls with Mom, Dad enjoyed grocery shopping, maintaining the house and looking after his precious cars. Luigi loved to cook – he was the BBQ man, the scarpelli man and the best gnocchi and tomato sauce man – there were no recipes, just a lot of scrumptious “well done” food, not to mention some vino, and a heap of love. Dad was blessed with a green thumb too – his gardens were the envy of the block – filled with luscious tomato plants, peppers, lettuce, corn on the cob etc. – and he planted gorgeous flowers, especially for Mom. Luigi also loved to play and win his favourite sports/games – and win he did with horseshoe, bingo, card game briscola, bocce and shuffleboard…he collected impressive hardware and earned some extra cash as well!

Whether he was a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather (Nonno) or friend, Luigi usually spoke his mind and enjoyed telling stories about: the early days in Italy, how he served in World War II with the Italian army, the road to becoming a Canadian citizen in 1955, his quest to learn the English language, his work at Bryce’s Bakery and McGavin’s Bakery, where for 38 years he never missed a full day, as well as summer vacations at Winnipeg Beach. He was proud to be a member of the Rockwood Legion, Unit 303, for over 50 years. He was proud of his Italian heritage, making the return to his hometown and the tour of Italy with the family in 1978 an extraordinary experience. And most of all, Luigi was proud of his family and all of our achievements, including 63 years of marriage with Elvira.

Luigi is an unforgettable man, with an unforgettable smile. The sharp as a pin brain (he read the newspaper daily), engaging personality and big heart were Luigi’s shining light, revealing his charm, good looks, warmth and vitality. He never forgot his humble beginnings and often couldn’t believe how lucky a guy he was, of which he gave credit to Elvira. Luigi understood the power of love and had an enormous enduring faith and spirit…for more than 60 years, he was a parishioner of St. Ignatius Church. One of his personal goals was to reach 90 and he accomplished this with great style this year – after that, every day was icing on the cake.

Although living at 873 Scotland Avenue brought the most joy to Luigi and Elvira’s home life, he was content at Lindenwood Manor, Tuxedo Villa and particularly the Simkin Centre. Luigi and the family extend a special “thank you” to all the caregivers that helped him throughout the last few years. He will truly be missed and remembered by countless friends.

The heavy hearts that Luigi leaves behind are his “beautiful” Elvira (who he will continue to love and protect from Heaven), Anna Maria, Liz (Charly) and Jo, grandsons Alexander, Adam and Simon, along with extended family. Luigi was predeceased by his infant grandson, Thomas. “Riposa in Pace, Luigi, Dad and Nonno, sei sempre nei nostri cuori.” Thank you for your “magnifico” example of fighting for life!

Respecting Luigi’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Please join us for Luigi’s Mass of the Resurrection on Friday, August 23rd, 2013 at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford Street - 1:00 pm., with a private interment to follow.