It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our rock, Pietro Brigante, at the age of 94 on February 13, 2021. Pietro passed away gently and peacefully at home with his wife of 69 years Carlina and daughter Angela (Tony Zangari) by his side. Beloved papa of the late Maria (1974), Tony (Nancy), Carmela (Salvatore Parlatore) and cherished and treasured Nonnu of Daniel (Nina), Michael (Samantha) and furry pups Max and Fynn. Born in Adami, Italy, Pietro is predeceased by his parents Rocco and Carmela, brothers Giuseppe, Gino, Guerino and Tonino, and sisters Rosa, Eugenia and Vincenza. He is survived by his brother Vincenzo (Paola), grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Pa was caring, kind, funny, hard working and had a heart of gold. He was proud that he held many foreign visas, having worked as a skilled and sought after lumberjack in the forests of Austria, Germany and the South Tyrol region of Italy. He immigrated to Canada with his wife and children in 1963 and worked for many years at the City of Thorold, Public Works Department before retiring in 1991. Pa loved to watch soccer and cheer for Juventus, although he was not very forgiving of a bad game! He was skilled at maintaining a thriving garden, even making the newspaper for having some of the largest tomatoes in Thorold. Pa also loved food, not only sticking to the Italian staples, but also exploring different cuisines from all over the world. But being a simple man, his favourite meal was a Big Mac, sometimes having two or three at a time! He was a great storyteller and loved to share his many adventures and memories with those close to him or anyone nearby. He made it a goal in life to pass on his many tales to his grandchildren Daniel and Michael. We learned he rode a Ducati motorcycle with ma and three kids hanging off of him and that he was the thumb war champion, challenging anyone who dared. He loved to drive and was proud that he drove until the end of December 2020. He was our driver to many hockey practices and games, pick ups and drop offs at school and daily drives to the park to walk Max. Although we will miss him terribly, we take comfort in knowing that he is side by side and hand in hand with his precious daughter Maria. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Niagara Health Foundation. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the 3A staff and physicians at the St. Catharines Hospital for their care and compassion during his stay. A special thanks to the kitchen team for the extra daily bag of goodies. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held at Bocchinfuso Funeral Home in Thorold, followed by a mass at Holy Rosary Church and burial at Lakeview Cemetery in Thorold. A celebration of life and mass will be planned when restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do.
