Nicodemo Albanese
January 17, 1934 – December 27, 2016
It is with profound sadness that the family of Mr. Nicodemo Albanese, age 82 years, a resident of Thunder Bay, announce his passing after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, surrounded by his devoted wife, loving children and grandchildren.
Nicodemo “Nick” was born on January 17, 1934 in Mammola, Reggio di Calabria, Italy. Raised in a rural area, he acquired his gardening talents while working the family farm raising small livestock, growing fruits, vegetables and olive trees. At the age of 17, Nick ventured north and worked construction in Genoa and Turin before finally setting his sights on the land of opportunity, Canada.
He arrived in Montreal in 1958 and joined his older brother working construction. Nick later moved to Port Arthur, where he met his future bride Rosa, and in 1962 they married and started a beautiful life together which lasted 54 years.
From that union two children were born, Domenic and Maria (Mary). In 1973, after many years of working for Comuzzi Brothers, Nick started Albanese Contracting that operated for 26 years until his retirement. Nick was very proud of his bountiful gardens, his superb sopressata and sausages, and the great wines he produced every year. Nick was very proud of his roots in Italy, but he was equally proud when he became a Canadian citizen.
He was truly thankful for the opportunities this country presented him. He believed you are responsible for your own success, and that hard work will always serve you well. In 1989, his daughter Mary married Peter Pullia; two years later, his son Domenic married Melanie (nee Baxter).
These weddings brought great joy to Nick and Rosa.
Later, came what Nick considered his greatest gift, the birth of 5 grandchildren, each of whom was a source of great pride and joy. Nick was a strong man, yet very kind and gentle. This was evidenced by his 14 year struggle with his disease.
He was honest and humble, yet he was proud of the things that he accomplished in his life. He was generous to a fault, and always stressed the importance of lending a hand to those who could not help themselves.
He was a man who had no fear of hard work and took great pride in the quality of his craftsmanship that included building several monuments at the International Friendship Gardens. Nick was an honourable man, and above all these a gentleman.
Left to mourn and carry on Nick’s traditions and values are his wife Rosa, his children Domenic (Melanie), and Mary (Peter), and his five grandchildren: Nicodemo, Christina, and Alessandra Albanese, and Victoria and Peter Anthony Pullia. Nick is survived by his brother Vincenzo (Caterina) Albanese, sisters: Angela (Nicodemo) Furfaro, Carmela (Felice) Lia, Rusa (Giuseppe) Papandrea, Lucia (Mario) Coletti, and his sister-in-law Leda Albanese.
He is also survived by his mother-in-law Giuseppina Furfaro, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Carmela and Salvatore Scali, Anna and Salvatore Fiorenza, Susan and Greg Furfaro and sister-in-law Filomena Lombardo. Zio Nick will be remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews throughout Canada and Italy.
He was predeceased by his parents Domenico and Immacolata Albanese, father-in-law Francesco Furfaro, brother Salvatore Albanese and brother-in-law Domenic Lombardo. Cremation has taken place.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2017 when family and friends will gather in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church for the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Luig iFilippini. Prior to the Mass, visitation will be held in the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations to the TBRHS Foundation-Northern Cancer Fund would be appreciated.
Arrangements are in care of the Sargent & Son Funeral Directors, 21 N. Court Street. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com
We cannot bring the old days back
When we were all together.
But loving thoughts and memories
Will be with us forever.
