Obituary of Pietro Marcelli

Born in Balsorano, L Aquila, Italia on December 27, 1933, to Maria (Tuzi) and Sabatino Marcelli Pietro Marcelli, fought a long, courageous 20 year battle and succumbed to cancer on April 28, 2020.Pietro is survived by his dear wife Francesca of 60 years, loving daughters Clara (Luis), Dina (Brian) Godfrey, Margherita (Nick) with grandchildren Maria and Michael Paglieri, brother Nino (Carmela) Diselmi, nieces and nephews Mary, Angela, Joseph, sister-in-law Maria (Luigi) Scanga, nieces and nephews Teresa, Laura, Sam and many loving aunts, cousins and extended family. Pietro was a loving father, husband and friend to all who knew him.Anyone who knew Pietro knew what an amazing green thumb he had and how much he loved his extensive garden- hundreds of tomato, cucumber, squash, beans,lettuce etc, etc and pretty much any herb you could imagine, numerous plum, pears, peach fruit trees, he utilized every square inch of the back (and front) garden to cultivate beauty. He shared this passion and boundless energy with family, friends, neighbours every spring, summer and fall. After all his hard work cultivating his bounty, he could be seen relaxing in the backyard taking in the lush green scenery for hours. He also loved wine making, mushroom and asparagus foraging in the local woods with his brother Nino. He loved cooking for his family every holiday and opportunity to experiment with a new recipe. Family was his pride and joy. Dad spent countless hours sharing fond memories and laughter about his life experiences. Offering words of wisdom and support when we hit a rough patch. He also worked many years as a welding supervisor, and retired at the spry age of 71. He spent his free time watching hockey, Toto movies, listening to Claudio Villa, Pavarotti, and always enjoyed family reunions, and a fun tarantella dance at a wedding. Pietro was always there to support his wife, daughters, aunts, cousins and numerous relatives, and friends with household projects, or wherever her could lend a helping hand.The cancer recurred August, 2019 and he fought every step of the way to stay on this earth with his family. He always said I am trying my best and he did to the very end. With living in unprecedented times, the family was separated from Dad on April 5 but comforted with daily phone calls. Told us to take care and love each other. We will carry his memory and his words in our hearts forever.He will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.