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MARIO DI FONZO
Born: Aug 27, 1947
Date of Passing: Sep 01, 2016
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
MARIO DI FONZO August 27, 1947- September 1, 2016 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of a man who truly valued life. At the age of 69, Mario Di Fonzo died in the arms of his family after a 10 year battle with cancer. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 46 years Claudia; his two children, Chris (Sheila and her son Austyn), Andrea (Lizzie, his "grand-dog" as he called her); his siblings, Adelina (Aldo) Rama, Rocco (Susan) Di Fonzo, Leda Ceprano of Italy; his sister-in-law Angelica (Mel) Biluk; brothers-in-law, Romeo (Maria) Macario, Carlo (Bonnie) Macario, Tony (Lori) Macario; aunts, uncles, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Maria Di Fonzo, his two year old brother Mario, and in-laws, Guerino and Dora Macario. Dad was a genuine, loving, caring and gentle man. He was humble, a man of faith and always placed the well-being of others above his own. His ability to always remain positive was a remarkable gift, which set him apart from others and made him truly unique. He was a great husband and amazing father. Family was always his first priority. He was a loving, hands-on dad; always taking us to dance classes, swimming lessons, football, and hockey games. He taught us how to ride a bike, drive a car and skate (even though he didn't know how to skate himself), and of course, true to his profession, how to budget. He allowed us to learn from our mistakes and made us who we are today. Dad was always patient, kind and loving with our mom. She's always known he was her support. Dad was a very social man and loved spending time with family and friends. We always joked that he and mom had more of a social life than we did. Dad enjoyed cooking, tending to his plants, and especially boating. He took pleasure cruising up the Red River and along the shores of Lake Winnipeg on his boat, Fonzie1. Mom and dad also loved to travel together, especially cruising, giving them precious memories of their visits to many locations around the world. Dad was born in Isola del Gran Sasso, Italy on August 27, 1947 and immigrated to Canada in 1959 at the age of 12. He was an entrepreneur at heart and worked hard in order to provide a wonderful life for himself and his family. He was extremely ethical and loyal to family, friends and clients. These traits, along with his intelligence, allowed him to become successful in his professional career. He owned a gas station and Fiat dealership early in life, then in 1972, began his 44 year career in the financial services industry. He started his career at Standard Life then joined Manulife Financial in 1978, eventually becoming branch manager in 1985. In 1989 he founded his own boutique financial planning firm, Prime Financial Group, which he eventually operated under IPC Investment Corporation. Dad had a strong commitment to his clients and spent many years thinking about who should advise them when he retires. Because of this, he was well prepared to join his practice with The Wealth Planning Group at the beginning of 2016 due to health reasons, ensuring his clients would be looked after according to his standards. Dad truly loved his job as a financial planner. He was very dedicated to his profession and obtained the Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Financial Planner designations. His dedication and desire to help his clients never went unnoticed, which is why he was honoured with the 2016 Legacy Award from IPC. His clients were important to him. He specifically asked us to say a "thank you to all dear clients". The family would like to thank Dr. Ralph Wong, the caring nurses and staff at CancerCare Manitoba who helped dad survive as long as he could, despite the odds. We also want to thank the St. Boniface Hospital palliative care unit for making dad feel safe. A special thank you to Paul for your TLC with dad while on the ward. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Interment will be held at Thomson in the Park Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dad's memory to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Dad, you fought a good fight, we are so proud of you and now you can finally rest in peace. You are our rock and we will forever miss you. You will never be forgotten and will always be loved forever. Thank you for everything. Watch over us. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2016
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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He helped me when I lived in Winnipeg working for the ICCM. I will always remember his kindness. Rest in peace Mario Seba - Posted by: Sebastian Baglione (Friend) on: Nov 03, 2019
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Claudia, Chris and Andrea, So sorry to learn of Mario's passing. I had the privilege of working with and being mentored by Mario. Mario was an example of the best in our industry. He was a great soul. My thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Ed Bodnarchuk (Friend) on: Oct 04, 2016
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Dear Claudia, You have always been a Lady of Beauty, Charm, Fashion and Femininity for me and many others around. Your impeccable taste and style have been impressed me and many others around. You have always been a woman of amazing inner power and great spirit. Please keep your little light shine no matter what life brings and illuminate for others with Love, Life and Light. - Posted by: Larisa S. () on: Sep 08, 2016
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Dear Claudia, and family. Our deepest condolences are with you at this sad time, we where lucky to have known such a beautiful gentleman, when we where at the boat club, we have many great memories of the two of you, keep those memories in your heart I know he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. Stay strong Claudia our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Kathy ellis and Jim Speirs (Boating buddies) on: Sep 08, 2016
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Claudia may you all be consoled by the good memories you shared with Mario. Tony and Angie Grande - Posted by: Tony and Angie Grande (Friend) on: Sep 08, 2016
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Claudia, we are so sorry to hear of Mario's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Joe & Marisa Zirino (friend) on: Sep 07, 2016
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Dear Claudia and family, My memories of Mario are interlaced with memories of Pop, Zia Dora, the whole Macario clan and of course, extended family and friends. I'm even old enough to remember your dating days (the convertible that would suddenly appear on the street infront of your house) and of course those first years of marriage and when Andrea and Chris were born. His wit and humour are what I also remember the most but especially how he took such good care of those he loved. He also exemplified how to live life and not look to the things that couldn't be done but how important it was to experience and enjoy what one could in the company of others especially your soul mate and children. He will be missed. -Lia - Posted by: Lia Baksina (Friend) on: Sep 07, 2016
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My deepest condolences to the family - Posted by: Maria Cianflone () on: Sep 07, 2016
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Claudia, we were sadened to hear of Mario's passing, he was a good man, father and husband. Our deepest sympathies. Dunstan and Joyce - Posted by: Joyce & Dunstan MacDonald (Friend) on: Sep 07, 2016
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Dear Claudia and Family, I am thoughts and prays are with you and your family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Rosa Militano ((friend)) on: Sep 06, 2016
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Claudia e famiglia inviamo le nostre piu sentite condoglianze per la Perdita del caro Mario. Ci dispiace non essere presenti alla cerimonia funebre, Avendo appuntamenti clinici. Sinceramente AnnaMaria e Gildo Di Biaggio - Posted by: Anna Maria & Gildo DiBiaggio () on: Sep 06, 2016
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Claudia, please know that we are thinking of you. While we are far apart, you are close to our hearts. I didn't know Mario well, but whenever you made the trips to Pittsburgh , I always enjoyed talking to him and we had many laughs with him. We love you. - Posted by: Linda & Henry Bobro (Cousin) on: Sep 06, 2016
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Mr. Di Fonzo was a kind and gentle presence anytime I visited their home during high school and beyond. Always welcoming and generous, I remember his delicious meals of pasta and salad for us girls at sleepovers. He loved his family very much. Your family is close in my thoughts with the loss of your most loved father. Meghan - Posted by: Meghan Holmes (Friend of Andrea) on: Sep 06, 2016
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Our deepest condolences. Mario was a dear friend to Ugo since he came to Canada. - Posted by: Ugo and Linda Cesario (Close Friends) on: Sep 06, 2016
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Dear Claudia, Chris and Andrea. Brad and I are so sorry for your loss. Mario was a kind, gentle and caring man. He left an impression with everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by many. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. - Posted by: Stacey and Brad Erlendson (Friends) on: Sep 06, 2016

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