Obituary of Mario Turavani
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Mario Turavani in his 91st year with his family at his side on September 6, 2021. Beloved husband for 55 years of Alfonsina and loving father to daughters Maria Assunta and Diana. Survived by his brother Alfredo (Maria), sister-in-law Maria (late brother Arturo), sister Emma (the late Enrico) and brother Fulvio (Giovanna) in Italy, brother-in-law Sergio (Maria), brother-in-law Gabriele (Virginia) and sister-in-law Natalina in Italy. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Massimo and Assunta, brother Arturo and sister Iole (Lidano).
Mario was born in Fagnano Alto, Italy on May 28, 1931. His journey took him from Italy to Canada in 1954 to build a life for himself and later for his family once he married Alfonsina in 1966. From working many years in construction to working at Port Weller Dry Docks, his love was always farming. He made his dream come true by buying a fruit farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1977. It was his passion and made him happy – to give his family members and friends fruits and vegetables throughout the summer was a great joy to him. He could always be found puttering around in his barn (which he called his “office”) even well after he retired. Always looking after others, such as his neighbours who we are so grateful that unfailingly looked after him in his later years. It was always important to him to “take care of your friends and they will take care of you” – it was the motto he believed in and lived by.
He loved his dog Snoopy and his twice-yearly vacations with his wife and friends to sunny Cuba and the Dominican Republic. He said the water and sun there made him feel healthy and young again each time he went. Most of all he loved his family, who he worked so hard to provide for all of his life. Right from when he was a young boy helping to look after his family in Italy Mario was a hard worker so it seemed fitting that he would pass away on Labour Day. He passed on that strong work ethic (as well as his sweet tooth and love of sports) to his daughters who admired and loved him very much.
Mario celebrated every birthday milestone, including his 90th earlier this year. He was always so grateful to reach each one and felt it was important to acknowledge them surrounded by those that he loved. We will miss him dearly.
Special thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at St. Catharines General Hospital who took such good care of him right up to his last days. In particular, thank you to the kindness of Drs. Zulys and How, and the many amazing nurses and PSWs in 5A.
In keeping with Mario’s wishes, funeral arrangements have been entrusted with GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. The family welcome guests for visitation on Thursday, September 9th, 2021 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm with prayers at 3:00PM. A funeral mass to follow on Friday, September 10th at 10:00AM at St. Alfred’s Church with an entombment at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens.
As per the Province of Ontario Covid-19 regulations, funeral attendance is limited to 300 and all must wear a mask. Please call the funeral home to RSVP at 905-937-4444 for both funeral service and prayers.
For those viewing Mario's funeral service via livestream, please go to the St Alfred's Website, at Service time and click on the livestream link www.stalfredcatholicchurch.ca