Donald Paul Siciliano

Donald Paul Siciliano, 76, passed away on January 22, 2022. By his side was his everlovin’, Martha Jane, life partner and high-school sweetheart. Known by those who loved him as Donnie, Uncle Don, and Gigi, he charted his own course through life as an intrepid entrepreneur, introducing Pizza Delight and the beloved ‘square’ to a generation of pizza lovers across Thunder Bay. Sun worshipper and salt-water aficionado, Don was a true explorer. Never satisfied with conventions, he sought out authentic vacations where he could bring his family together to connect with locals and experience life through their eyes.

Don loved with his heart open and eyes wide. At home, friends, family, and strangers all were greeted with his sparkling brown eyes and whatever was in the pantry, fridge and liquor cabinet. There was always an open invite to Sunday supper, a steadfast tradition at Don’s home. He especially loved his wife’s meatballs—a recipe passed on from Don’s mom—and would sneak into the kitchen and gobble them up as fast as she could prepare them.

What was Don’s was yours, and he opened not only his heart and home to all, but shared opportunities he created by employing his children, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours at Pizza Delight, and many other of his life’s other enterprises. To Don, staff were an extension of family, and he maintained deep and lasting relationships with colleagues, and mentored many along the way.
Don may have hated the cold, but born and raised in Thunder Bay, he was proud of his roots. He supported his community through the Beavers Hockey Club, Fort William Kinsman, Davinci and Columbus centres. He practiced his love of golf in charity tournaments, and through his businesses helped raise funds for many causes.

Even the dreadful illness that robbed his memory couldn’t steal his passion for music. Don charmed the staff of Hogarth, 3N Lille with his gift of song, often recounting word for word, his favourite oldies. His family owes the biggest debt of gratitude for the compassionate care he received during his time there.
Don’s spirit and legacy will live on through his beautiful wife Martha, his loving daughters Amy (Guillaume) and Dawn (Jeff), sister Sandy (Terry), their children Tracey, Tammy and William, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. A proud Gigi to his four special grandchildren, Blake, Émile, Maya and Dominic, he taught them how to play crib, and they will always cherish his knack for knowing how to live life in the present.

Cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 at St. Agnes R.C. Church, when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass beginning at 2:00 PM, celebrated by Rev. James Panikulam. The interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens, with a reception to follow. A live stream of the service can be found on St. Agnes Church Facebook Page ( www.facebook.com/stagnesrc ). In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer Society, or Hogarth Riverview Manor.