Gino, a visionary entrepreneur and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, surrounded by Maria, his devoted wife of 68 years, and his loving children Nadia & Rony (Nancy).
Born in Italy on December 5, 1936, Gino’s journey from a young craftsman to a respected businessman embodied the quintessential immigrant success story. At 17, armed with only a pencil and ruler, he promised himself: “With these two tools, I’m going to make it.”
In 1955, Gino arrived in Canada with nothing but a suitcase full of dreams and an unwavering determination. Despite humble beginnings and language barriers, his extraordinary work ethic propelled him forward. He often said he measured his days not by hours worked, but by boxes of nails emptied.
Gino’s relentless drive led him from residential projects to commercial and industrial developments. Over his career, he personally built more than 1,500 residential units across Northern Ontario, including Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Blind River, and Wawa. His remarkable achievements were recognized when the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce named him Entrepreneur of the Year in 1998.
Known affectionately as “Big G” Gino left an indelible mark on his adopted city. Despite his success, he remained humble — a man of few words who led by example and faced challenges without complaint. His resilience shone brightest during health battles, where his iron will was evident.
Beyond his professional life, Gino was a passionate collector of beautiful, fast cars and motorcycles, reflecting his appreciation for craftsmanship, speed, and elegance. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: being close to nature, listening to birdsong, foraging for mushrooms, holding his beloved dog Alex, and enjoying Sunday drives to Dairy Queen for ice cream.
Gino’s life exemplified his motto: “Sempre Forte” (Always Strong). He proved that with dreams, commitment, and family support — anything is possible. Above all, he was a gentle man with deep family values. His smile, presence, and quiet strength will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
