GABRIELE PORCO

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GABRIELE PORCO It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Nonno, brother-in-law and uncle on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at the age of 93. Gabriele leaves to mourn his daughters, Roseanna Bakema (Harry) and Gina Calesso (Renato), and grandson Christopher Calesso. He also leaves to mourn his sisters-in-law, Nancy and Angela Porco, Giovanna Eliass, Ann Cantafio; numerous nephews and nieces in Winnipeg and Italy. He was predeceased by his wife Gilda; parents, Pietro and Giuseppina Porco; sister Rosina and husband Giovanni Altomare; niece Palmina Farenga; brothers, Frank and Tony Porco; sister-in-law Mattea and husband Carmine; nephew Frank Altomare; and brother-in-law Tommaso Cantafio. Gabriele was born on November 4, 1925 in the town of Cellara in the Province of Cosenza in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. Gabriele arrived in Canada on August 17, 1948. He went to Sioux Lookout where he lived for two years working for the town and the Follinger Saw Mills. In April of 1950 he came to Transcona. He then was employed with the CNR shops. He later became a crane operator, and after working for 35 years he retired in September 1985. Gabriele married Gilda Cantafio the love of his life on September 12, 1953. They were married for almost 60 years until her passing on September 2, 2013. Gabriele's rich Italian heritage was evident in his love of gardening which he continued well into his 80s. Gabriele was always a hard worker even from a young age as he farmed on his family's property in Italy. Gabriele was loved for his kind, sweet nature and gentle heart and respected for always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. Gabriele was a longtime member of the Transcona senior centre where he liked to play darts, shuffle board and bingo. Gabriele later moved to River Ridge Retirement Residence where he had resided for the past three years. The family thanks the staff at River Ridge and his Home Care Aides for all their help and support. The pallbearers are Christopher Calesso, Joseph Porco, Michael Porco, Peter Porco, Stino Porco and Blair Cantafio. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Gabriele's memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Kidney or Diabetes.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2019