Obituary of SILVIO BRACCIO

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, and grandfather, Silvio Braccio on May 24, 2012 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 86 years. Silvio was born on November 26, 1925 in Campochiaro, Campobasso, Italy. He was predeceased by his mother Angelina; father Alessandro, Sister Marianna De Pierro, and granddaughter Crystal Lynn. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Maria (Campanaro), son Antonio (Lynda), daughter Sandra, and grandchildren Antonio, Matthew, Jennifer, and Kristina. Also left to mourn Silvio’s loss and to cherish childhood memories are his sisters Filomena (Gaetano) Italy, Adelina (Italy), Antoinetta (Montreal), Maria Teresa (Sault Ste. Marie), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada and Italy. Pop came to Canada in 1952 with the hope and aspiration of taking care of his family back home in Italy, and to establish a new life in a country that he heard so much about from his own father and uncle. On January 29, 1952 at the age of 25 years, pop arrived at Union Station in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He worked for several years before returning to Italy to marry his wife, Maria. After marrying mom, they returned to Winnipeg where he continued working for Greb Shoes and later, Weston’s Bakery before retiring at 65 years of age, all along taking care of his family both in Winnipeg and Italy. Pop was proud to be a true "Winnipegger." He lived on the same street, in the city’s core area, for 60 years. He was passionate about the area and cared deeply for the neighborhood, often helping a neighbor in need or cutting boulevard grass. Pop will always be remembered by his family for his random acts of kindness as he often fed the homeless with food from our dinner table, or provided cold water or spare change to those who asked, he refused no one. Pop chose to live a very simple life however, with many joys. In the summer, he tended to his vegetable garden especially his tomatoes with pride, often sharing his vegetables with family and friends. He enjoyed growing his own grapes and making wine in the fall. He purchased weekly lotto tickets and encouraged everyone to do the same. Pop treasured Sunday family dinners with his family where he boasted about his wine, mom’s pasta sauce, and his grandchildren. He used this time to share stories about growing up in Italy, told us to get a good education, and make the most of our lives. He always ended a meal with fruit and a cup of espresso. A good time to pop was visiting with friends over an espresso and talking Italian and Canadian politics. If pop considered you a friend, he thought and treated you, like family. Pop’s greatest joy were his grandchildren Antonio, Matthew, Jennifer, and Kristina whom he loved openly and dearly. He cherished every moment spent with them no matter what the occasion, and took pride in their many accomplishments. Pop’s love for his grandchildren was unconditional, ready to defend and care for his own, no matter what. Our family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone for their love and support during the last few weeks of pop’s life including the unit staff on GD 5 at the Health Sciences Centre, where he was cared for with dignity and respect. Pop’s last spoken words to his family were, "I have lived a great life and I have no regrets."