Following a courageous battle with cancer we are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Eugenio on Thursday July 23, 2020 at 9:25 am. As per his wishes, Gino passed at home, surrounded by those who meant the most to him. Born May 5, 1941 in Grimaldi, Cozenza, Italy, to parents Palmira and Francesco Pucci and raised by Theresa and Fortunato Vecchio, Gino came to Canada August 1, 1965. Husband of Esterina Pucci (Rocchetta) for sixty years and father to Franco Pucci (Anita), Pamela (Brad Vessey), Rose Eckinger (Scott), and Mirella Scarpino. Forever loving grandfather to Vincent Palumbo (Tiziana), Robert Palumbo (Lindsey), Daniel and Emily Scarpino, and Michael Pucci (Alysa Barone). Exceptionally proud of being a great grandfather to Marcus, Matteo, MaryJane and Bruce Palumbo. He was blessed to call many family, including his sisters Nella Orlando (Eugene) and Stella Bruno (Eugenio) and brothers Armando Pucci (Anna), and Antonio Pucci (Emma), sisters and brothers-in- law Pasquale (a.k.a. Michele) & Filomena Rocchetta, Maria & the late Paolo Rocchetta, Rosa & the late Giustino Cesinaro, the late Lidia Rocchetta, Antonio & Saveria Rocchetta, Mario & Rosetta Rocchetta, and Armando & Rosallina Rocchetta and families.
Gino was many things throughout his life. A son and sibling, an immigrant, a city worker, a family man, and a gardener among many other things. He carried on many traditions and was a producer of wine, tomato sauce, roasted peppers, olives, sausage, salami, world class sopressata, and one time a few years ago, maple syrup!
The bible teaches us that heaven is a place where are all welcome, where all may dine, & where the doors remain open for anyone who comes to call. It’s a place for the weary to rest. Where the gardens grow plentiful, and where joy, and celebration flow nearly as freely as the wine. It’s where the banquet is never-ending. Correct me if I’m wrong, but this sounds a lot like Nonno’s house. His kingdom was a modest one, yet it always had enough to provide for all of us, in part to his efforts, and always as a result of his service before self mentality. He himself was fashioned in the image of Christ, and walked the earth as a kind, compassionate, dedicated man who lived to serve others.
The walls on Peoples Rd. could tell tales of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren laughing. Family gatherings, spring plantings and fall harvests, of basement dinners and early morning coffees. Lunches in the garage, and people watching from the front stairs while awaiting the mailman. Mornings in the garden and hours of reading the Sault Star or watching game shows and wrestling from his favourite chair in the living room. Most of all, the walls would tell many, many tales of his impeccably cared for vehicle coming and going from family road trips, grocery runs, trips to McDonalds, running errands, or most likely from picking up or dropping off one of the kids from school, work, sporting events or a friend’s house.
If he met you, he loved you and you felt it. The truth is he never forgot you and thought about you often. He had an impeccable memory and found great joy in sharing stories of days gone by. Stories of Italy, his journey to Canada and days working for contractors and eventually at the city. He loved to share tales of his adventures through Ontario and into Michigan. His North American road trips which took him through many American States and from British Columbia back home were where he made many lasting memories.
In the end he wanted for nothing more than for all those around him to be happy, healthy and fed. He filled our lives with joy and there will never be another. As he rests peacefully, we are left to carry on, to live our lives in his honour and to carry forward his legacy of unconditional love and eternal kindness. It was his final wish to have his life celebrated, not mourned, so I ask that you please take a moment to celebrate him in a way that best reflects your relationship with him.
A private family visitation to celebrate Gino’s life was held at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) followed by a private Funeral Mass celebrated at St. Gregory’s Parish with Father Trevor Scarfone officiating. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial donations to the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Care Fund would be greatly appreciated.
A special thank you to Doctors Bruni, Spadafora, Shehata, Booth and Buehner for the exceptional care. Also to the amazing care provided by the nurses of Bayshore Health Care, especially Susie, Brandi, Andrea and Cathy. In addition, we would like to thank Debbie Collins-Maskell for all of her support.
Together we celebrate the life of our husband, father, grandfather,
great-grandfather, brother, and friend.