BATTISTA, GIOVANNI "John"  - With Broken Hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father "John", on October 17, 2026, at the age of 91.

John is reunited with his loving wife, Marguerite "Margo" (nee TeDesco) (2010) and beloved daughter, Rosanna Hunt (2019).  He will be lovingly remembered by his children Michael (Barb), Robert (Chizuru), and Teresa (Ken) Loney; and cherished grandchildren Deanna (JP) Shalala, Andrew (Kendra) Hunt, Stacey (Adam) Gagliardi, Amy and Erica Battista, and Jack, Brian, and Justin Loney; and great-grandchildren Gracie, Rayna, Hendrix, and Eli. He will also be deeply missed by his cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and many friends, especially his neighbours Joyce Venditti and Maria Venditti.

John was predeceased by his parents, Assunta and Pasquale; sister Anna, brothers Tonino, Cesare (Lola), and Sauro (survived by sister-in-law Maria) his in-laws, John and Agnes TeDesco and his son-in-law John Hunt (2025).

He was born in Castropignano, Italy and emigrated to Canada in 1953, John worked as a carpenter in the Maintenance Department at the Gallagher Paper, retiring in 1995.  A gifted craftsman who could build or repair anything, he was always ready to help family and friends.

John married Margo in 1958, and they shared 51 wonderful years of marriage filled with family meals and gatherings with friends and relatives.  He enjoyed all sports, especially Soccer, the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Canadiens.  He loved to play Euchre, Aggravation and Uno, and enjoyed trips to the casino and his daily walks.  Above all, John treasured his family and proudly attending his children and grandchildren's hockey and soccer games. dance recitals, plays and musical performances.

Visitation will be held at Bocchinfuso Funeral Home in Thorold on Wednesday October 21, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with Vigil Prayers at 3:30 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Thorold on Thursday October 22, at 11:00 a.m.

In John's memory, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.