Obituary of Giovanni Rotella
Rotella, Giovanni
We are saddened to announce the passing of Giovanni, peacefully with his family at his side on June 2, 2023, at 82 years of age. Devoted and loving husband of Elisabetta for 63 years. Cherished father to Costantino (Nancy), Tom (Carolina), Mario, John (Savina) and Maria. Adoring Nonno to Michael, Matthew, Paul, Eric, Adam, Madelyn, Sarah and Christopher. Loving brother to Maria Rosa (late Saverio), Peppino (late Bianca), Salvatore (Maria and late Maria), and Maria (late Filippo) and brother-in-law to Luigi (Grazia) and Savina (Antonio). Predeceased by his parents Costantino and Maria, sister Angelica (Angelo Antonio), brother Giuseppe (Nina), parents-in-law Tommaso and Maria Giuseppa, sisters-in-law Costantina (Tommaso) and Maria (Eugenio) and brother-in-law Saverio (Teresa).
Giovanni and Elisabetta were newly married at 19 and 21 years of age and immigrated from the village of Gimigliano, Italy in the 1960’s. With courage, determination, hard work, and love, they started a family in Toronto. In Italy, Giovanni had learned his trade from the age of 12 and became a skilled shoemaker. In Canada, at the age of 24 he soon ventured to start his own business when he moved to Welland in 1965 with Elisabetta and three young boys. John’s Shoe Repair with it’s owner “Johnny” were well known to all in the community. This simple and successful business was able to provide for a growing family with 5 children and remained operational for almost 50 years until his retirement.
Giovanni was a devoted family man, an avid gardener and loved to enjoy his home-made wine with friends and family.
After battling macular degeneration for several years and recently cancer, Giovanni is at peace now and will always be remembered as a hardworking provider and a kind, generous son, brother, cousin, husband, father, nonno, uncle and friend. All who have known him will miss his presence dearly.
Our family would like to extend our gratitude for all the love and care provided to Giovanni, particularly the care givers at St. Catharines General Hospital, and McNally House Hospice.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the WELLAND FUNERAL HOME, CREMATION & RECEPTION CENTRE 827 East Main St., Welland on Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Vigil prayers will be celebrated Thursday at 7:45 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Andrew’s the Apostle Church on Friday June 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Plesantview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations made to McNally House Hospice would be appreciated by the family.
