Sobey Wall of Honour
Column
139
Row
11
Giovanni Diodato Guglietti
Giovanni Diodato Guglietti was born on September 27th 1935 as the first of five children born to Vincenzo Guglietti and Anna Tersigni in the central Italian town of Sora, Frosinone. Even as a child Giovanni had shown himself to be courageous, brave and a natural leader - "Spericolato", is an Italian word people used to describe him ... if he had to walk anywhere, he ran, if he rode his bicycle he would ride it fast, Giovanni always strived to be in front.
So it wasn't surprising that in November of 1952, at the age of 16, Giovanni decided to leave his homeland that was still recovering from the ravages of World War II and travel alone across the Atlantic Ocean to Canada. His ultimate intentions were to settle in Toronto, Ontario, a city that his father had settled in just a year earlier. Giovanni boarded the ‘Nea Hellas' with simple belongings and enthusiastically imagined what Pier 21 would look like and what he would do with his life when he reached Toronto.
Giovanni respected hard work and did whatever job he could get his hands on. He often recounted stories of how he had to unload train cars of lumber by hand, in the bitter of winter, as fast as possible. During this time his brother Carmine joined him in Toronto and they made arrangements for his mother, other brother Tony and sister Rita to join them in 1956. Shortly after the family's arrival, his remaining sister Giuseppina and her husband Benedetto also immigrated. Depending on when you took count there were as many as 10 to 12 people living in a three bedroom semi-detached home. Everyone kept busy but they always made time to enjoy themselves. Every Friday and Saturday night was dedicated to playing card games and singing old songs - always with plenty of laughter and in the company of family, neighbors and friends.
Giovanni loved dancing and would often attend church socials. It was at one of these events, that he would meet the love of his life and future wife, Concetta DeGasperis. They were married on August 26, 1961 and soon started a family of their own welcoming in to the world four sons, Silvio, Riccardo, Marco and John. Together Giovanni and Concetta enjoyed much success but most importantly presented a strong example for the next generation to follow. They were happily married until Concetta's passing on August 16, 2005.
On September 4th, 2009, Giovanni passed away suddenly, doing what he loved doing most, dancing. He is remembered as a strong and determined man who loved his work but cherished his family. He is now re-united with his wife Concetta in the Heavens and is greatly missed.
May Giovanni's great personal, family and professional achievements be forever remembered and continued in future generations.