It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Giovanni Tropea, of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on November 28, 2024, eighteen days after he entered Ridge Meadows Hospital.

Born on December 31, 1937 in Catania, Sicily, Giovanni was the beloved husband of Maria Tropea (née D’Antonio). He was the son of Vincenzo Tropea and Angela (née Alia). Giovanni is pre-deceased by his parents, his sisters, most of his brothers, and his son Rinaldo. He is survived by his wife Maria and his children, Enzo (Jacqueline), Tino, Angela (Douglas), Pierina (Derek) and his grandchildren, Brock, Justin, Skye, Tanner, Ryan, and Priscilla.

Giovanni met Maria at a young age, they immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1959, and were married for over sixty-six years, their relationship left many in awe. They held hands constantly and went everywhere together.

Giovanni was a hard-working family man, who held only two jobs while living in Winnipeg. The first at Pressur-Crete and the second at City Bread Bakery, until he retired as a foreman. 

He was a proud, honourable and dignified man, had incredible wisdom, strength and integrity, who could often be seen wearing a suit jacket and tie.

Giovanni loved family gatherings, especially at Christmas and at their cabin and summer retreats. Those were very happy times. He was often seen laughing and carrying on with his children and grandchildren. Fishing, hanging out on the beach, lying in the hammocks (with a radio playing in the background), playing horseshoes, having big meals with family and friends, and nights were filled sitting by a bonfire and playing cards (where he somehow often managed to win). Those weekends at the cabins and the family parties were some of the most joyful days.

Giovanni made friends easily and had a great sense of humour. He was a member of the Sicilian Club for many years and made lifelong friends at Enzo’s Sports Bar. He also kept in frequent contact with many families that immigrated to Canada at the same time as him. 

Giovanni and Maria moved to Maple Ridge, British Columbia in 2016 to escape the harsh Winnipeg winters.  In BC, they loved to go down to the Maple Ridge Farmers Market, the beaches, and to go to the ocean and watch people catch crabs. They lived at the Sunwood Revera retirement home, where they ate their meals in the dining room, played Bingo, attended all different kinds of musical events, shows, dances, and were surrounded by staff and friends.

Giovanni was heartbroken when Maria went into the hospital. Maria had been in the hospital for over two months when Giovanni was admitted to the same hospital. Giovanni was on the third floor and Maria was on the ground floor. Everyday Maria would go up to see Giovanni and they were able to once again hold hands, laugh and cry together.

During his final days, Giovanni reached out to family and friends to say goodbye. He made people smile and laugh, even in his final hours. Sadly, due to Maria’s medical condition she could not be with him at the time of his passing, so he took a photograph of his Maria and placed it under his clothing over his heart. On his final day, he Facetimed with Maria, told her how beautiful she was, told her to stay strong, told her that he loved her, and then sang Italian love songs to her. His last worldly act was to double-check that the photograph of Maria was still there, beneath his shirt.

He was surrounded at the time of his peaceful passing by his immediate family.

Giovanni’s wishes were honoured, as he wanted only immediate family in attendance for a private church service, rather than a funeral. On Monday, December 2, 2024, his immediate family gathered at Golden Ears United Church with Reverend Leenane Shiels, who had provided Giovanni with comfort, support, and prayer during his final journey and who performed his last rights. The ceremony was intimate and beautiful.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at the hospital that tended to Giovanni and extend a special thank you to Reverend Leenane.

Thank you, Dad, for being the best father we could ask for. There are no words that can express our gratitude and admiration towards you for the sacrifice you made of coming to Canada and giving your family a better life. How you lead your life and how you carried your head high in your final days was an inspiration to us all. You will ALWAYS be our hero, and we will miss you forever.

We feel comfort knowing that you are now at peace.

Always and forever in our hearts.