It is with heavy hearts that the family of Clemente Vita announces his passing on January 4, 2023.
Clemente was born January 22, 1928 in the beautiful town of Scilla, Calabria, Italy. He was the first born of six siblings to the parents of Domenico and Grazia Vita. He lived there until 1953 when CNR Railroad sponsored his trip to immigrate to Canada. In 1956, Angela, his bride, joined her husband in Canada.
Clemente was the first of his family to immigrate to Canada. He dedicated himself to helping numerous families and his parents from Italy immigrate to Canada. He sponsored them and housed them in his home until they were able to be on their own.
Clemente was a selfless, dedicated, hard working, family-oriented individual. He would always greet you with a smile and never hesitated to help someone in need no matter how small or large the problem was.
Clemente first worked with the CNR Railroad in Sunshine, Ontario and in 1956 became a Lumberjack. In 1958 he joined Canada Malting Co. Limited where he worked as a Millwright for over 35 years. Clemente’s family received expression of gratitude from former colleagues even after 30 years of retirement and Canada Malting, Thunder Bay Plant, flew the flag at half-mast in his honor.
Education was very important to Clemente and he was very proud that all his five children were University Graduates, as he had to leave school at a very early age to support his family.
His passions include fishing and gardening and he was a long time member of the Italian Cultural Society.
On January 1st, 2023, their 67th wedding anniversary, Clemente expressed his ever-lasting love for his wife Angela and the beautiful life they built together.
Clemente will be lovingly remembered by his wife Angela and his children: Dominic (Mary), Grace (Philip), Antoniette (Elden), Rocco and John (Carrie). Nonno will be missed by his grandchildren: Gabriele, Michael, Max, Robert, Noelle and Victoria and step grandchildren, Christopher and Michael (Jessica). He is survived by his siblings Angelina (Italy), Pina (Alex), Tony (Vincenza) and sisters-in-law Rosa and Felicia. Zio Clemente was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews who loved him very much.
Clemente was predeceased by his parents Domenico and Grazia Vita; brothers Giovanni Vita and Rocco Vita; sister Domenica Mancuso; brother-in-law Carmelo Mancuso; niece Grace Vita (Bylund); nephews Rocco Vita and Michael Vita.
Services will be held on Monday, January 9th, 2023 leaving the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland St., at 10:30 a.m. to St. Anthony’s R.C. Church, 123 Hilldale Rd. where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Luigi Filippini at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. with prayers at 3:00 p.m.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation - Northern Cardiac Fund.
