It is with broken hearts we announce the peaceful passing of John Mandolesi on March 1, 2023, in his 89th year, surrounded by his loving family at Sault Area Hospital (SAH). We are at peace knowing he is no longer in pain and the challenges of the past few years are now over.
Devoted husband of Marie (nee Livedotte) for 67 years and loving dad of Debra Wilkin (late Bruce) and Lisa McMillan (Ian).
Predeceased by his parents Angela (nee Dionisi) and Umberto Mandolesi. Dear brother to late Richard (Charlotte) and Jerry (Rachelle) and will be fondly remembered by many friends and family, especially nephews and nieces Jamie, Jody, Lori and Nelson Soares and Jennifer.
Dad was a pillar of strength to Deb and Lisa and will be deeply missed by son in law Ian, sharing their love of sports and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Much adored Papa and will be forever missed by his loving granddaughters Ashlee Gerard (Ari Viitala), Kristen Campbell (Kevin), Allison Wilkin, Stephanie Wilkin and Taylor McMillan as well as great-grandchildren Carter, Brody, Mikko and Joey.
Papa lit up when he was in the company of his grandchildren. He was so proud of each of them and always had a story or a lesson as only he could tell them. With the addition of great grandchildren to our family, Papa loved his weekly Mikko visits and FaceTime visits with Carter, Brody and newest baby Joey.
John was a dedicated employee of Algoma Steel, never missing a day of work in his 40-year career and retiring as Supervisor of Product Control.
Family always came first as did his love of sports. John was a talented athlete particularly in hockey and baseball. As a skilled hockey player, he caught the eye of the Detroit Red Wings resulting in an invite to their training camp and played on many championship Fastball Teams.
He was also very proud of his Italian heritage and a long-time member of the G. Marconi Society where he spent many, many evenings enjoying the company of his life long friends.
Thank you for the extraordinary care and compassion given to John by the Sault Area Hospital Emergency Acute Care and the 3B nursing staff. Special thanks to nurse Sandy who was by his side each evening and to Dr. Bignell, Dr. George and Dr. Booth, who made his final days comfortable and peaceful.
The family also thanks Dr. Fratesi, Dr. Castellani and nurses at the SAH Wound Clinic, Brenda Paat, Anastasia Greve at the SAH Follow Up Clinic as well as John’s Bayshore Homecare nurses, Cassandra and Maryann who took such good care of John in the last few years.
Marie, Lisa and Deb would like to express their deepest appreciation to Ashlee and Taylor. Taylor who carefully transported Papa to his appointments and ran errands for Gram in the last months while mom and dad were away. And to Ashlee who took on the critical role of ensuring Papa’s care was met by the incredible staff at SAH and stayed by Gram’s side at the beginning of Papa’s final days while the rest of the family travelled home to be with them.
A special thank you to cherished family and friends who have reached out with overwhelming love and support.
Cremation has taken place. At John’s request, there will be no visitation and a private service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation (Payable by cheque or online using the links below). Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted through O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.
SAHF - www.sahfoundation.com/donate
Heart & Stroke - https://secure-support.heartandstroke.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=DMDonationForm&s_locale=en_CA&s_fT=cont&s_pres=hsweb&s_cscid=hsweb_home_hero