VINCENZO GIOVANNI (JOHN) BERARDI

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father and grandfather (Nonno) on Tuesday, October 24th, 2017 at the age of 86 years.  He was predeceased by his wife, Linda; parents, Marianicola and Valentino Berardi; and brother, Firmino Lorenzo (Don Lorenzo).  John is survived by his son, Carlo (Traci); his co-grandparents, Douglas and Beverley Yates; and his pride and joys, Zachary and Arianna Berardi, his grandchildren.  John was born in in Tufillo, Italy in June 1931 where he worked on his father’s olive orchards and as a blacksmith.  He immigrated to Canada after WWII and began work for the Canadian Pacific Railway.  He soon after sent for his beloved Linda to join him in Canada, and they were married and lived in Mortlach, SK.  John then took his grade 4 elementary school Italian education and educated himself at STI Moose Jaw to obtain his fireman’s ticket.  They moved to Moose Jaw and he worked as a heating systems and maintenance manager at St. Anthony’s Home in Moose Jaw for 36 years.  He and his wife were devout parishioners at Church Of Our Lady for all their many years in Moose Jaw.  John and Linda often returned to Italy throughout their Canadian lives.  They moved back to Italy in 1997 to fulfill Linda’s dream of returning to Italy, until her passing in December 1999 surrounded by her large family.  John then returned to Canada to be nearer to his son Carlo and his wife Traci.  John enjoyed his widower years in Moose Jaw following closely the lives of his grandchildren.  John loved being with people, and could be found daily at the mall with the “coffee crew” he helped form, and in the evenings visiting with friends at the casino lounge.  Thank you to the many friends in Moose Jaw who helped fill his final years with fellowship.  A heartfelt THANK YOU to the staff at Chez Nous in Moose Jaw where John lived the last 4 years of his life.  Their compassionate care made life easier for John during his years of waning health.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 4th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to the Moose Jaw Food Bank, 305 Fairford St W, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 1V8.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550