Obituary of Glaudio Rizzetto

RIZZETTO, Glaudio (Joseph) New Waterford It is with deepest regret that we, the family of Glaudio (Joseph) Rizzetto, announce his passing after a long, loving life. He died peacefully with his family by his side, on Saturday, November 19th, 2016, at the Glace Bay Hospital. We offer our sincere thanks to the Doctors and Nurses on Three West, who cared for Joe with professionalism and made his final days comfortable. Always active, he had just celebrated his 90th birthday in August, dancing and socializing all night long. Thank you to Joanne White and her amazing staff that helped to make the night magical. According to Joe, he spent many years in grade one, as he said because his English was so poor; however, he loved the nuns and they loved him. Despite this early set back, he still managed to graduate high school at the young age of sixteen. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Ottawa in 1951, but once again, faced a language barrier. When he arrived at the university by train, he had no idea that the university degree was to be in French! The university was run by the Vatican, so the Italian priests were easy for Joe to communicate with. He had to learn French very quickly and he did so, graduating with top honours. When he returned to Nova Scotia from Ontario, he entered Dalhousie University Law School and graduated in the class of 1954. Joe led a passionate life and had a wide range of interests. He loved the game of hockey and played for the University of Ottawa while studying there. A true fan of the Montreal Canadiens, he loudly showed his support at live games, as well as televised ones. It was always a thrill to witness and be a part of his excitement for the game! Joe also loved to cook. He had a style that was all his own – cooking everything on high heat, and leaving himself, and the kitchen looking like a tornado had blown through! Regardless of the mess, no matter what was being prepared it was always delicious and there was always enough to feed an army! He really enjoyed his lottery tickets! Being with him as he checked his lottery numbers involved all within his proximity! He would have the best explanations as to why things did not work out for him or what he should have done which would have made a win possible! Finding a deal also made Joe extremely happy! He had a lot of connections in the retail sector in Halifax. He would think of absolutely everybody as he went through the bargains presented to him! Also, whether items were given to him or he paid for them, it would not be unusual for him to be presenting you with a gift when he next saw you. He was a very generous man. He would give you the last shirt he had, even if it were on his back. To add to this, he would give you the last nickel out of his pocket. He was just this kind of man! Joe dedicated his entire life to his family and friends. Whether you knew him as: 'Grampy', 'Gramps', 'Daddy', 'Pa Pa Joe', 'Glaudio', 'Uncle G' or any other 'special' name, he was the same loving, friendly and most considerate man you could ever get to know! He could often be found either carrying or using a stroller to spend time with his grandchildren outside. Often, these walks would extend to lengthy periods of time and sometimes would take them quite a distance away from home! Above all, Joe absolutely loved and adored all of his grandchildren! Joe leaves behind his son, Joseph Jr. (Carol Kennedy (Gilbert Oravecz)) Rizzetto; and their children, Maria, Tony, Gianni and Sophia; daughter, Maria (Christopher Mutch); and their children, Julianna, Robert, Victoria and Bruce; daughter, Rona (David Peckham); and her daughter, Katie (Ryan Tobin) and great-granddaughter, Olivia Barnaby. Fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Mary Rizzetto and Terry Jones; brothers-in-law, Leno DalBello, Ronnie and Micka DiPenta. He was the son of the late Fioravante and Rina (Nemis) Rizzetto. Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by his wife Carolyn (DiPenta), brothers Bruno and Silvano Rizzetto, sisters Norma Rizzetto and Norma DalBello, and granddaughter Sondra Carolyn Rizzetto. A special thank you to Ralph Medjuck, who was there with him during the high and low points of his life. His friendship never wavered and his generosity will never be forgotten. Also, thank you to the loving Bernadette McIntyre for all the special meals she prepared and brought to him, as well as the many trips to clean and mend his clothing so he would always look like the gentleman he was. The family would like to thank all the Continual Care Assistants (CCA) and Dining Room Staff who attended to Joe while he was a resident of Victoria Haven in Glace Bay. Also to the other residents he established friendships with, especially his Italian roommate Enso Antonello. Our sincere gratitude also goes to all those who have touched Joe’s heart throughout his life! We would also like to thank Father Ray Huntley of the Parish of Saint Leonard for his prayers and comfort offered to us all at this time of bereavement. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will take place on Saturday, November 26th, at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, New Waterford, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery. Immediately following the funeral mass, a reception will be held in St. Leonard’s Parish Hall at 310 Convent Street, New Waterford. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.