Obituary of Gino Riganelli
Passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Friday, May 26 in his 87th year. Loving husband of Lucy Riganelli for 60 years, dear father of Robert (Rosa) and David (Sarah) and nonno of Shanice, Julia and Tait. Gino is predeceased by his parents Francesco and Caterina Riganelli, and his siblings Mario, Rita, Antonietta, Nicola, Nazzareno and his in-laws Savina, Joe and Silvio. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Ida and Marisa and will be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Gino was born in Cerreto D’Esi in the region of Le Marche, Italy. As a child, he lived through the hardships of the Second World War in his hometown, and then immigrated with his family in 1949 to begin a new life in Canada. A few years later, in 1957, he and his brothers started Riganelli’s Bakery in Thorold which they owned and operated for the next 42 years.
Gino was an early member of Club Roma and continued to actively participate in the Club for the next 60 years on various committees and in the bocce league where he and his partner, Osvaldo Mucciarelli, earned several trophies.
As a young man, Gino loved to play soccer and he remained passionate about the sport throughout his life, as well as being an enthusiastic fan of the Ferrari racing team at Formula 1 events.
He took great pleasure in cooking; carefully choosing ingredients and preparing meals for his family. At 84, he ventured into the realm of YouTube, hosting a series of cooking videos, “Nonno Gino’s Kitchen”, in which he prepared some of his favorite traditional Italian recipes.
Gino will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Family and friends will be received at GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., on Wednesday, May 31 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, June 1 at 11:00 am with cremation to follow.
Gino had a particular tenderness and concern for animals. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Lincoln County Humane Society.