It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mario Bisignano at the age of 85 on Monday, January 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Mario was born on May 4, 1939, in Luzzi, Cosenza, Italy. In March 1961, he immigrated to Thunder Bay, Ontario, with his brothers Frank, Guerino, Emilio, cousins Dina, Connie, and Concetta along with his parent Giuseppe and Concetta. Two years later, in 1963, he was joined by the love of his life, Anna (Chiappetta), and they were married on March 30 of that same year.
Upon arriving in Canada, Mario worked at SuperSonic Car Wash before dedicating over 35 years of his life to Great Lake Paper Mill. He became an integral member of the DaVinci Centre in 1971, where he spent countless joyful hours making meatballs, playing bocce with friends and brothers, and volunteering at the annual Italian Picnic and DaVinci’s Fish and Game event.
Mario found immense pride in his garden, cultivating exceptional tomatoes, peppers, and zucchinis. He also cherished years of camping adventures with his family and friends, starting in Sibley and Grand Marais and later at Kakabeka Falls. A social man at heart, Mario loved any opportunity to share food, wine, and laughter with those he held dear.
Mario’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering respect for others touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Anna; his children, Silvana (Dominic), Frank (Tammy), and Marisa (Robert); and his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Catherine (children Evelette and Nico), Daniel (children Charlotte and Madalyn), Vanessa (Cody), Nicole (Shawn, children Olivia and Landon), Hope (Andrew, children Nora and Emma), Aiden, Jamie (Travis, children Nova and Aspen), and Jordan (Jacob, children James and Huntlee). He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Rita (Guido); many in-laws; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, both near and far.
Mario is predeceased by his parents, Giuseppe and Concetta; his in-laws, Salvatore and Antonietta Chiappetta; his siblings, Salvatore, Emilio, Guerino, Frank, Elio, Silvio, and Ida Chimenti.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and care teams at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic’s Church, officiated by Rev. Michael Mahoney. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather afterward at the DaVinci Centre to celebrate Mario’s life.
Donations in Mario’s honour may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. Joseph’s Care Group, or the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
In tribute to Mario’s love of life and family, please raise a glass of wine or a shot of brandy with your loved ones.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
