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It is with heavy hearts that the children of Giovanni Eleuterio Chiarelli announce his sudden passing at home on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at the age of 84 years. </p>
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Giovanni was born in Grimaldi, Italy on June 23, 1930 to Francessco and Maria Chiarelli, the youngest of 3 children. </p>
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He moved to Canada 55 years ago where he began the next chapter of his life with his wife of 20 years Giovanna Galluccio Chiarelli. Together they raised three beautiful children Mary, Tony and Frances, residing at the family home at 164 Machar Avenue. </p>
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Once settled in Thunder Bay he and his brother Antonio worked very hard to allow for them to bring their parents to Thunder Bay to their new home at 89 Crown Street. Giovanni was a longtime member of the Italian Society of Port Arthur and a member of St. Anthony’s Church where he belonged to the Holy Name Society and the St. Anthony’s Seniors Club. In his early years in Thunder Bay he was employed with C.N. Rail before moving to work for the Catholic District School Board, retiring in 1982. </p>
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It was during this time as a custodian at St. Joseph’s School, a job he loved dearly, that he touched the lives of so many children. Mr. Chiarelli was always there with the basketballs, dodge balls or whatever else the kids wanted to use at recess. He was there to make sure that the children made it to their classrooms and made sure that everyone was safe. </p>
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In the summertime he and his brother enjoyed working at the farm where they spent all of their summer days and evenings planting their gardens and raising their animals. This was their passion. </p>
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They worked very hard and took great pride in being able to provide fresh produce, meat, milk, and cheese for their families. </p>
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Giovanni also invested in real estate, owning several homes, becoming one of the nicest landlords that anyone could ask for. A generous man he was often assisting others in attaining their dreams of owning their own homes. Winter evenings often involved winemaking, sausage making, visits from family and friends, sharing food around the table and making wonderful memories. </p>
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After his retirement he could also be found with his magnifying glass working on his many stamp collections that were created for his grandchildren. He gave his children such great lives and was always there to support each of them. Being a grandfather to five amazing grandchildren, of whom he was always so proud, was something Giovanni cherished. </p>
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He enjoyed his Sunday suppers at daughter Mary’s where he loved playing cards with son-in-law Raffaele. </p>
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Dinners at daughter Frances’ house would often conclude with the watching old movies with son-in-law Greg, the Godfather series being his favorites. Whether it was for family functions or just for a visit, Giovanni always looked forward to having his son Tony home from Winnipeg. The past sixteen years he shared his days with his companion Rosa Libbenga with whom he learned to slow down, relax and enjoy life. </p>
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His life was a life dedicated to family. </p>
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A typical day started with calls to check on his children and grandchildren, followed by visits to daughter Frances at Japan Camera, where he sat by the fireplace enjoying coffee and conversation, and every evening at 8 p.m. it was off to St. Joe’s to spend time with his brother. His strong work ethics have been an inspiration to his children and grandchildren. </p>
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Though we miss him dearly we are grateful that he is now at peace and there is no more pain. </p>
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He is now resting in the Golden Gates with his mother and father, infant son Frank Chiarelli, his sister Elvira, brother-in-law Giovanni Bombino and his sister-in-law Giuseppina Chiarelli. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Mary (Raffaele) Stefanile, Tony Chiarelli and Frances (Greg) Adamo; grandchildren: Francesca (Donny) Bruno, Giovanna (Christopher) Knowles, Antonio (Amanda) Stefanile and Elyssia and Christian Adamo; his brother Antonio Chiarelli, wife of 20 years Giovanna Chiarelli and his companion Rosa Libbenga as well as by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. </p>
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The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. A private family entombment will take place at St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Visitation for friends will be held on Sunday, September 7th from 2-4 p.m. in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church where the Vigil Service will begin at 3 p.m. </p>
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In lieu of flowers memorials to the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Lung Association would be greatly appreciated. </p>
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Arrangements are in care of the Sargent & Son Funeral Directors, 21 N. Court Street. </p>
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Online condolences may be made at <a href="http://www.sargentandson.com" target="_blank">www.sargentandson.com</a>.</p>
