Obituary of Gabriele Giancaterino
GIANCATERINO, Gabriele “Gabe”
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Gabriele in his 89th year, on July 14, 2021 with his family by his side. Cherished husband for 60 years of Pia and loving dad of Marisa (the late Joseph) Muraca, Enio (Maria), Paolo (Gessica). Beloved Nunnu of Meagan (Daniel), Ryan, Sophia, Anthony and Valencia. Survived by his brother Corrado (Iole), sister-in-laws Antonietta (the late Gabriele) Zenone, Annalisa (Giovanni) Trovato, and brother-in-laws Gabriele (Italia) Cutracci, Domenico (Isabella) Cutracci, Roberto (Stella) Cutracci. Also survived by many, many, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Paolo and Orsola, in-laws Eliseo and Maria Cutracci. sisters Maria and Antonietta (Ottavio) D'Intino, Cesira (Emilio) D’Intino, Amerizia (Vito) Squartecchia and brothers Giuseppe, Riziero and Fiorindo (Gilda).
Gabriele was born in Farindola, Italy on March 8, 1933. At 18, he set off on a month-long voyage to Venezuela in search of a better life. After 5 years, he came to Canada to join some family. He began writing to his then future wife Pia and eventually they married and both settled in Canada in 1961. He was a long-time employee of Ferranti Packard until his retirement in 1995.
He absolutely adored his grandchildren and delighted in sharing their lives with them and keeping busy attending the numerous activities they were involved in. Gabriele often cried tears of joy but never as much as when he heard the Canadian or Italian National Anthem and at every instance where his grandchildren experienced success, even if it was simply scoring a goal playing soccer or hockey. He was an avid gardener, hunter, and wine, grappa, tomato sauce & sausage maker and passed many traditions down to both his children and grandchildren. He was a huge fan of the Azzurri and Juventus and could often be found watching the games on TV. He also had a particular devotion to Padre Pio and San Gabriele.
Gabriele enjoyed playing the accordion and would often bring it along to entertain friends and family. He loved to dance and on any occasion that would allow, spent hours on the dance floor with his wife Pia. He also enjoyed playing briscola, bocce and poker. He always looked forward to his many trips back to Italy. In 1975 he and Pia, along with two other couples, began the Paesano Picnic, an annual gathering of families from the same area of Italy. This now multigenerational tradition continues to this day. Gabe was a member of the Niagara Hunting and Fishing club as well as a lifelong member of Club Roma.
Widely known as the “Silver Fox” for his lustrous lot of shiny white hair, he could easily be spotted in any crowd. Gabe’s door was always open and ready to serve those who popped in a glass of home-made wine.
Gabriele was truly blessed and he knew it. He would often speak of how appreciative he was of his long life, his loving close-knit family, wonderful friends, and countless moments of joy.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at the Henley House who cared for Gabriele like he was a part of their family. We are ever grateful for your tender love and kindness over the years. Visitation will be held at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St. St. Catharines, on Friday, July 16, 2021 from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Alfred Roman Catholic Church, 272 Vine St., St. Catharines, on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow Mass at Pleasant View Memorial Gardens, Hwy 20, Fonthill. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or to Community Support Services of Niagara.
All guests attending the visitation, or the funeral must wear a mask and call the funeral home to RSVP a spot at the Mass.
Live stream: St. Alfred Church