Marcello Munaretto

MARCELLO MUNARETTO
December 27, 1944 to June 1, 2023

Marcello lived his early years in Italy and his adult life in Canada.

Marcello was born in the Veneto region of Italy during World War II. He was the youngest of four children. The oldest brother was eighteen years older than him. His sister was sixteen years old at the time of his birth. The second brother was ten years old when Marcello was born. Even though he was a surprise to his family, he was welcomed and well loved, especially by his sister who helped raise and care for him while his parents worked as tailors and barbers.

Growing up in war torn Italy had its challenges. It was a time when families and friends relied on each other to put food on the table or help with working the land. Hard work never seemed to hurt anyone. Whatever help was needed was forthcoming from those who could assist. These times and memories instilled values that Marcello carried throughout his life. He was a man that did not waste anything. He appreciated family, maintained relationships with family, extended family and friends. He would willingly feed anyone who showed up at his table. He was not a man of extravagance or self-indulgence.

He was a hard and meticulous worker who wanted to enjoy life and provide for his family.

When Marcello spoke of his childhood, he always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He would often recount the story of his NoNa Nana reaching deep into her long pockets to produce a cookie for him as they walked to visit relatives at a farm. He would laugh about buying parts for a bicycle, one piece at a time, until after three years he finally had a fully operational bicycle. Such pride and joy as he pedalled his way for a day of fun and adventure with his friends. A wad of paper tightly packed and covered with elastic bands made a great soccer ball.  School work and sitting in a classroom were not a thing Marcello particularly enjoyed.

At age sixteen, Marcello set off for Canada, but only stayed a few months. The different climate and long days of manual work did not match his vision of a life of adventure and opportunity. Toronto and Marcello were not a good fit. He returned to his family home in Italy and worked for his oldest brother selling chicks and farm feed. Before his eighteenth birthday Marcello made the decision to immigrate to Canada. The work and weather were more enticing than spending two years in mandatory military service.

In 1962, Marcello arrived in Nova Scotia aboard the ship Saturnia. The arrival port is now commemorated with the immigration museum Pier 21. From there he made his way to Sudbury, Ontario where he lived with his brother. He knew Sudbury had a large Italian community and perhaps opportunities for him to better himself.

Settling in Canada was not easy. He worked long days as a labourer for a construction company. After spending the day hauling building materials and cleaning job sites, he would grab a quick meal and run across the city for his night school classes. Weekends were spent with his new friends going to the Italian club, playing cards, bocce or going to a dance. He learned how to fish and hunt. Marcello laughed as he told the story of asking his friends why they use so much salt in Canada. He had noticed many “Sale” signs in Sudbury. Sale is the Italian word for salt. In Canada it has a different meaning. It was time to learn the English language.
    
Gradually, things started to improve. He was an apprentice carpenter. His wages improved and he could afford to replace his Italian shoes and wardrobe with more appropriate Canadian winter wear. He completed his Grade 10 at night school and was more comfortable speaking English. He had moved in with an Italian family who offered him board-and-room. He enjoyed many good home-made Italian meals as well as the comfort of being in a family environment.

By 1968, life was looking up for Marcello. He was working his way up in the carpentry field.  He had bought a house and a car. He became a Canadian citizen. He met a French-Canadian woman who happened to speak Italian. They married the following year.

How quickly thirty years can pass. The family boasted three daughters.  There was a ten-year age difference between the oldest and youngest child. He bought a bigger house to accommodate his growing family. He continued his bi-annual visits to Italy. He worked hard to give his family many of the luxuries he did not have as a child. Weekends were spent fishing, cooking (his daughters still rave about his pasta sauce), playing cards or socializing with his friends. He was always involved with Sudbury's Italian community. He would often travel to Toronto or Chicago to visit extended family. Sadly, the marriage ended and Marcello once again found himself living with his brother.  Although he was not living in the family home, he ensured that he played an active role with his daughters as they transitioned into adult life.  Two of his daughters were already on their own.  The youngest was a teenager and needed his guidance and support as she navigated her way through life.

When you least expect it, life surprises you. In 2001 Marcello met a new love. She was Canadian, a mother of three teenage children, two sons and a daughter. She was in the process of divorcing her husband. They became a couple and married in 2008. Over the years, Marcello developed strong bonds with his wife’s children.

Marcello retired from the workforce in 2009. He had had enough of long winters, mosquitoes and black flies.  The couple decided to move to the Niagara Region. They had honeymooned there and quite liked the area. The vineyards and fruit orchards reminded Marcello of Italy, but yet different. By this time, his parents and oldest brother were no longer alive.  Marcello had no desire to return to Italy. He wanted to see Canada. In the next few years, he and his wife travelled coast to coast in Marcello's adopted country. He marvelled at the expanse and diversity of Canada. He would proudly tell anyone about the "ugly sticks" in Newfoundland, the beauty of Quebec, how flat yet colourful the prairies are. The mountains in Alberta and British Columbia and the beautiful flowers on Vancouver Island left an impression on him. On one holiday, he and his wife, along with her sister and brother-in-law, found themselves in Halifax at Pier 21.  They researched the Saturnia and did a re-creation of his arrival at the port.  Marcello really enjoyed the day and laughingly shared stories of his time on the ship and arrival in Canada.

Aside from his travels, Marcello's interests expanded. He learned and enjoyed curling. He tried golf but that was definitely not his sport. He loved watching Formula 1 (Ferrari fan), the Tour De France and soccer on television.   Computers were of no interest to him. He was willing to use a GPS but cell phones were a foreign object. Do not bother to send him an email or text. The telephone worked just fine.

As Marcello grew older, his family grew in size. He was now the proud NoNo of five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and honourary Grandpa to his wife's grandchild. He embraced his growing family and enjoyed each and every visit.

Marcello passed away after a sudden change in his health. He arrived in this world during chaos and war. He left this world peacefully surrounded by loved ones.  

Rest in peace Marcello. You are gone but not forgotten.