It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Orlando Coccimiglio, age 79, after a brief illness. Orlando passed away surrounded by his loving family on March 9, 2024.
Orlando was born on August 19, 1944, in Aiello Calabro (Stragolera), Cosenzo, Italy. He was the sixth and youngest child of Pasquale and Francesca (nee Muto) Coccimiglio. At the age of fourteen, Orlando left home for the first time, working for three years planting and pruning trees in Sicily. When Orlando turned seventeen, in search of a better life, his brother Fioravante, who had already immigrated to Port Arthur, sponsored him to live in Canada. Orlando often told the story of his difficult journey, which began on November 10, 1961 when he boarded the MS Saturnia. A brave and determined young man, Orlando, who could not speak any English, travelled 10 days at sea, alone and far from his family. He landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on November 20, 1961, where he started his journey to Port Arthur by train. Orlando was very proud of the fact that he started his new life in Canada with only twenty dollars in his pocket.
Once in Port Arthur, Orlando lived with his eldest brother Gaspare, wife Antonietta and family. In January of 1962 he began working for the R.F. Welch (Veltri) Company on the railway and continued for the next six years. Orlando valued education and instilled the importance of education in his children and grandchildren. He sought out opportunities to expand his knowledge throughout his life, including during his time on the railway. Orlando would commit to spending his down time reading Italian and English dictionaries so that he not only could improve his English speaking, but that by the time he left the company he could also read and write.
In 1968, Orlando started working various contracts in construction. That same year, he met a beautiful young lady, Nella Pucci, and later made sure he danced with her at a wedding. They got engaged the same year, marrying on December 20, 1969, and recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. Together they welcomed four children, Enzo, Lisa, Davy and Orlando Junior. Orlando was a loving father who went out of his way to ensure that he provided a rich life for his family, treating each of his children equally. Despite having no exposure as a child to the great outdoors, he became an avid camper, fisherman, hunter, and hiker. His children and grandchildren enjoyed these activities with him right up to this past year. He recently talked about hiking the Giant again, a feat he spoke of often. Having his own family was one of the greatest achievements of Orlando’s life. He was fiercely proud of all his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments.
Orlando was a highly talented carpenter, who was meticulous in his attention to detail. He always said to “do it right the first time, it takes twice as long to go back.” Orlando and his brother-in-law Giuseppe Foresta successfully ran a construction company, Foresta and Cocci Builders Limited. They created many buildings and beautiful houses throughout Thunder Bay. Orlando was a hardworking man who was loyal, dedicated and kind. He spent the rest of his working career at the Provincial Paper Mill and the Grain Elevators where he made many friendships.
Orlando retired in 2005 and enjoyed many years with his family pursuing his many hobbies. His passion was his four grandchildren, and he cared for each of them with the greatest of love. He instilled in them the values of hard work, integrity, and honesty. He loved spending time with them, playing games, exercising, dancing, and storytelling. He loved feeding his grandchildren, peeling each piece of fruit with perfection. He was so proud of each and every one of their accomplishments and couldn’t wait to see them reach their milestones.
His bountiful garden was a marvel and a labour of love. He grew the most beautiful tomatoes, delicious kale, Swiss chard, beans, and lettuce. There was nothing that Orlando couldn’t grow, and he spent hours each day on his art. He took part in the traditions of making home-made sausage, sauce, wine and bread and loved passing his knowledge on to his children and grandchildren.
Orlando enjoyed working out at the Complex and walking daily. He valued physical activity and keeping fit. Orlando took pride in his appearance and always made sure he looked his absolute best. He enjoyed shopping, and was proud of his many beautiful sweaters, jackets and shoes, always kept in pristine condition.
Orlando and Nella enjoyed travelling, and he was proud of the fact that he went back to Italy numerous times, most recently with two of his grandchildren, and had the opportunity to show them where he grew up. It was amazing for them to see the humble beginnings of such a great man.
Orlando was a long-time member of the Italian Society of Port Arthur and a dedicated parishioner of St. Anthony’s R.C. church. He was a man of great faith and lived his life by the principle passed on to him by his mother, “do good, and forget about it.”
Orlando is survived by his wife Nella (nee Pucci), his children Enzo (Michelle), Lisa, Davy (Amy), Orlando Junior (Linda), and his grandchildren Michaela, Lucas, Emily and Sophia. Orlando was looking forward to the birth of his fifth grandchild this month. He is also survived by his sister, Iolanda Coccimiglio in Italy, his sister-in-law Luigina Coccimiglio, his brothers-in-law Tony (Beth) Pucci and Frank (Laura) Pucci, and numerous nieces, nephews and relatives in Canada and Italy.
Orlando was predeceased by his parents Pasquale and Francesca (nee Muto) Coccimiglio, his parents-in-law Nicola and Rosaria (nee Fata) Pucci, his siblings, Gaspare (Antonietta) Coccimiglio, Assunta (Emilio) Perri, Fioravante Coccimiglio, Gino Agostino Coccimiglio in infancy; and his siblings in law Ernesto Coccimiglio, Emilia (Giuseppe) Foresta, and Maria (Ernesto) Pucci. He was also predeceased by nieces Gina Coccimiglio and Anna Kowalchuk.
Orlando’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Orlando in his last months. From his dedicated family physician Dr. Scali, his hospital physicians (notably Dr. Okbachi, Dr. El Katari, Dr. Brickman, Dr. McCallum and Dr. George) many dedicated nurses and support staff on units 3C, 1A and over the last week, in ICU, Orlando received kind, compassionate and skilled care. We will be forever grateful for their knowledge, support and professionalism and the peace and dignity they were able to provide to Orlando in his final days.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to many friends and extended family members who supported Orlando and our family during this difficult but grace-filled time, helping to provide Orlando with a peaceful passing. A special thank you to Orlando’s nephew, Deacon Pasquale Coccimiglio who prayed with us during his passing.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., at St. Anthony’s R.C. Church (123 Hilldale Road), celebrated by Father Luigi Filippini. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so at the following: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpN9CfdaVkY. Entombment following at Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum, St. Andrew’s Cemetery.
Orlando’s family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, at Sargent and Son Funeral Chapel, with vigil prayers recited at 7:00 p.m. The prayers will be livestreamed via Sargent & Son’s Facebook page.
Donations to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation in Orlando’s memory would be appreciated.
Condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
