It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vincenzo (Vince) Calabrese on July 17, 2022. He passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Father-in-law, Nonno, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle and Friend. Vincenzo was born to Fiorentino and Angelina Calabrese in Bivongi, Reggio, Calabria, Italy on February 20, 1944. He began his apprenticeship as a barber at the age of 10. Later as a teenager, he moved to Switzerland where he was able to fulfill his dream to become a barber. Vincenzo then returned to Siderno, Reggio, Calabria, Italy, where he met his wife Esterina, who he referred to as his “l’anima gemella” (his soul mate), the love of his life, best friend, and fishing and hunting partner. They were married in 1967 and later decided to move to Thunder Bay (Fort William), Ontario in 1968. Vincenzo ventured to Toronto with Esterina and daughter Angie for a couple of years and then returned to Thunder Bay where his children Toni and Francesca were born. He later opened his own business, “Vince’s Hairstyling” and after more than 60 years of being a barber, he retired in 2018. He developed strong relationships with his customers and friends, who continued to visit him at home with hopes of getting another haircut. He also was a driving school instructor and taught many family members and friends to drive. Vincenzo was an avid fisherman who enjoyed his favourite spot at Black Sturgeon River, and he also liked to hunt. His true passion was gardening. He especially treasured planting fruit trees. Fig, mandarin, lemon, plum, cherry, and apple trees adorn his garden and home. Vincenzo also had a passion for music, especially Italian music. You would often hear him playing the accordion or piano as he sang along. He also enjoyed learning. Vincenzo was always reading, especially the dictionary to learn new words, along with writing and later learning how to use technology to search for information on his iPad, text on his iPhone and facetime his family abroad. It was also important for him to stay healthy, and he went for his daily walks. His favourite saying was “everything in moderation”. He also loved making homemade wine, playing checkers and Italian cards, and blueberry, strawberry, and mushroom picking. Vincenzo especially cherished spending time with his family. “Pasta Thursday” was a family tradition spent at the Calabrese’s, eating dinner and dessert, having laughs, and reminiscing stories from the past.
Vincenzo will forever be missed by his loving wife Esterina, children Angie and (Dominic) Fimognari, Toni and (Christa) Calabrese and Francesca Calabrese, his grandchildren, Stephanie (Jared), Sabrina, Jacklyn and Natalie, his siblings and in-laws Pietro and (Teresa) Calabrese, Aldo and (Nazzarena) Calabrese, Immacolata Delbaldo, Giovanni and (Lucia) Calabrese, Atillio and (Yuly) Calabrese, Teresa and (Ivo) Mangani, Giuseppina Calabrese, Marietta Calabrese, Cosimo Etreni, Rocco and Rosetta Etreni and Domenico Pasqualino, along with numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
Vincenzo was predeceased by his parents, Fiorentino and Angelina Calabrese, brother Giuseppe Calabrese, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Alfredo and Francesca Etreni. In-laws, Secondo Delbaldo, Giuseppe Etreni, Rosa Etreni, Teresa and Vincenzo Deleo, Rosina and AntonioTarzia and Albina Pasqualino.
The hole in our hearts will never be filled for Vincenzo was gentle, kind, loving, strong and courageous, a fighter until the end. He taught the important values of being honest, working hard, doing the right thing, having patience and faith, and helping others. Vincenzo’s bright and friendly smile was always welcoming. He will be forever in our hearts.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022, when family and friends will gather for a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic’s Church celebrated by Rev. Michael Mahoney. Interment will follow at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery and Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum. Prayers will be held on Thursday, July 21 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Church.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Frederiksen, Dr. Nigro, The Peter Munk Heart Facility, The Medley Heart Function Team and Nurse Sarva, John and his staff at Oak Medical Pharmacy and his home nurse Joseph. If family or friends desire, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/contact-us or “Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Campaign” https://www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/our-hearts-at-home at the Thunder Bay Regional Health and Science Centre in Vincenzo’s name.