Giuseppe Bova

In the arms of his family, Giuseppe ‘Joe’ peacefully passed away in his home. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory; his devout and loving wife of 52 years, Francesca Idone, children; Anna Clemente (Tony), Nansy Marsiglia (Massimo), Joseph Bova (Caterina) & Lucia MacKenzie (Riley) grandchildren; Christina, Chiara, Isabella, Aldo, Alessandro, his namesake Giuseppe, Nicola, Laura and Simona. With his sister Maria Cotroneo, inlaws, Francesco and Pina Idone, Carmelo and Rosa Idone, Vince and Angela Idone and Silvana Idone along with many nieces, nephews and numerous family throughout Canada, US and Italy. In the embrace of our Lord, he joins his beloved mother Anna, father Giuseppe and brothers Francesco, Giorgio, Vincenzo and Salvatore, sisters Giuseppina Bueti, Ippolita D’Agostino, and Fortunata Porpiglia.

Giuseppe was born in San Roberto, Reggio Calabria, Italy. He had an entrepreneurial spirit even from his youngest years producing and selling olive oil, oranges and coal. A charming and handsome young man, he arrived in Canada in 1960 with passion and hope of prosperity. With the new possibility of providing for a family, he returned to Italy to marry Francesca in 1966, then travelled back to Canada with his new wife and his own determination. His fortitude paid off as he began importing, contracting, installing ceramic tiles and owning Torino Tile & Marble. His hard work is seen throughout Winnipeg. During these years, he was blessed with four children of whom he gave countless hours telling old Italian fables and playing his ‘organetto’. His love for all his family, playfulness and zest for life was contagious. He was a gentle man whose compassion, kindness and generosity for others was quietly observed. Giuseppe never concerned himself with material possessions, only to provide for his family. His passion was successful gardening, and this was truly an extension of his family, caring for each fruit tree as if it were a young child. To watch his children, and later his grandchildren, picking fruit from those trees brought him the greatest joy. Only Giuseppe could grow Italian grapes, nespole, and figs in a Winnipeg climate.

Giuseppe and Francesca’s dedication to God and the Saints inspired them to commission a bronze statue of his patron saint, San Giorgio, which was constructed in Italy, donated and placed at Holy Rosary Parish in 2010. Giuseppe and Francesca moved to Victoria, BC in 2013 to be with all four of their children and families. He created another beautiful garden full of fruit trees. As each season arrives, Giuseppe will continue to give the fruits of his love to his family. God’s will has been done.

Our deepest thank-you to all the medical staff in Winnipeg and Victoria who have been caring for Giuseppe. Funeral service will be held at St. Joseph the Worker Parish on Saturday, 2nd December 2017 at 11:30 am, with the final resting place at Royal Oak Mausoleum in Victoria, BC. A memorial mass will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Parish in Winnipeg, MB on Saturday, 9th December 2017 at 11:00 am and in San Roberto, Italy on Sunday, 3rd December at 11:00 am.