Giovanni "John" Pirillo

PIRILLO, GIOVANNI "JOHN" – It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Giovanni on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Niagara Health St. Catharines at the age of 89. Beloved husband of Maria (née Venneri) for 67 years. Cherished father of Susan and Mark Gemin, Santino and Tina Pirillo. Adored Nonno to Stephen (April) Gemin, Matthew Gemin (Kelsi), Alicia Gemin (Anthony), Larissa Pirillo and Ashley Pirillo. Dear brother to Rosaria (Ferdinande) Berardi and Emma (Mario) Mauro from British Columbia and Silvio (Rosetta) Pirillo from Italy. Giovanni will be remembered by his many cousins, nieces and nephews in Canada, Italy, France and Germany. He is predeceased by his parents, Santo and Assunta Pirillo, and his siblings Francesco (Maria) Pirillo, Maria (Luigi) Degiacomo and Giuseppe (Maria) Barletta. Born on March 24, 1935, in Mangone, Calabria, Italy, Giovanni and Maria made the journey to Canada with their young daughter Susan in 1964 with the hope of building a good life for their young family. After living in British Columbia for a few months, they made their way to Thorold, at the invitation of Zio Francesco and Zia Marietta Pirillo. They eventually settled in St. Catharines, which became their home for life. Giovanni loved growing a variety of vegetables in his garden, canning tomatoes, peaches and drying sausage, capicollo and prosciutto. He enjoyed watching hockey and soccer, and shopping for the freshest fruits and vegetables at the local markets and farms. First, and foremost, Giovanni loved his family, and he had a special place in his heart for each of his treasured grandchildren. Visitors will be received at Bocchinfuso Funeral Home 2 Regent Street, Thorold on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 2:00 -4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Vigil prayers will be recited at 3:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church 31 Chestnut Street East, St. Catharines. Rite of Committal Pleasantview Memorial Gardens. Donations to Heart & Stroke or St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and online condolences in Giovanni's memory may be left at www.Bocchinfusofh.com.