MANTELLO, Joseph

Posted: September 11th, 2020

Joseph Mantello

1935 – 2020

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Joseph Mantello, on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Joseph passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.

Joseph was born on October 9, 1935, in Grimaldi, Italy. At the age of 16, and with no other family members, he left his beloved country and came to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

From there, his journey across Canada began eventually being reunited with his father in Michel /Natal, BC. He took on various jobs over the next few years that included working in forestry, mining, and the railway. It was not until he moved to the West Coast to study welding that he discovered his true passion and calling. With a newly acquired education and skill set, he moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, where his career began. Originally employed with Horton Steel in the 60’s, Dad’s knowledge and talent really shone during this period. A majority of the work was for the oil and gas refineries, where anything less than perfect was unacceptable. It was in 1972 when he started working with the City of Lethbridge and stayed there until his retirement. He was very meticulous and detail oriented in all faucets of his life. He took great pride in his work and that pride transferred in particular to his love of gardening.

On April 23, 1960, Dad married the love of his life Teresa Donato. Together they went on to raise four children.

Dad was very musically inclined; back in Italy he learned to play the French horn. He could be heard playing throughout the hills of his home town. His instrument of choice in Canada was the trumpet. He spent many years playing alongside his friends John Mazzuca, Armando Lavorato, and Aldo Vercillo, in a band they called The Southerners.

Joseph always planted a garden, and he was rewarded for his effort with an abundant harvest every fall. His retirement years also gave him the time to explore wine making, and he found great joy in reading. However, everything came to a standstill when either Inter Milan or the Italian National Soccer team was playing.

Joseph was a board member when the Italian Canadian Cultural Centre was constructed. He graciously gave of his time and labour during the construction of the building. He was honoured when the Centre recognized him as a lifetime member.

Joseph’s pride and joy were his grandchildren, whether it was time spent with them at his home enjoying an afternoon treat or cheering them on at the sports fields or dance recitals. He always had time for his grandkids. For those who had the pleasure of visiting Joseph at home, his greetings at the door were always welcoming and warm and he graciously offered his customary hospitality. He always had an infectious smile and loved sharing an afternoon espresso or cappuccino with anyone who stopped by for a visit.

Besides his loving wife Teresa of 60 years, Joseph is survived by his four children – Emilio (Barb) Mantello and their sons Matthew (Brooke) and Gabriel (Kayla). Giulia (Dave) Boras and their daughters Nicole (Justin) and Rachel (Brett) deBoer. Pierina (Gary) Saler and their daughters Jasmine (Wyatt) and Lyndee (Andre). Johny (Kris) Mantello and their children Brooklyn, Jeter, Tori and Addison.

Joseph is also survived by his sister Teresa Vercillo, brother Silvio (Maria) Mantello, brother-in-law Frank (Leona) Donato, and sister-in-law Flora Donato, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents Frank and Giulia Mantello, mother-in-law Maria Donato, and brother-in-law Aldo Vercillo.

A private Visitation service will take place between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m on Monday, September 14, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610- 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A private Vigil Rites service will take place at 7:00 pm on Monday, September 14, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610- 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A private Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, September 15, at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH with Father Kevin Tumback, officiating. Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

A mandatory face-covering and masking bylaw is now in effect in all public areas within the city of Lethbridge.

Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel ask that you please wear a mask at all indoor funerals.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make a memorial donation to the Canadian Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ca/en/donate/?region=on&s_srx=cancer.ca-navbar-en

We would like to thank the team of Doctors at the Calgary Foothills hospital, Dr. Amatto and Ed at Norbridge Pharmacy and his staff, all of whom provided compassionate care.

Visit https://www.fhwebsites.org/ymb/obituary/Joseph-Mantello to watch the livestreamed service. Please note: the link to watch will appear between 1:00 pm and 1:15pm.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

3 Condolences for “MANTELLO, Joseph”

  1. Maria Maio Saccomanno (Gaudenzio) says:

    Our sincere condolences to all the family, in particular to Teresa. Joe was always a special person to the Maio and Saccomanno family. My father, Agostino Maio, often spoke of Joe. They travelled together from Grimaldi to Canada on in 1951, when Joe was so young. Dad spoke of him so lovingly, as though, a father to Joe. Joe was only 16 years of age and Dad was very protective of him, throughout the trip. They lost contact over time, but Joe was often in Dad’s thoughts and spoke of him with much affection. I felt that I knew him, even though I was too young to remember much of him, since I was a little girl when he left. My prayers for him and my sincere condolences to all of you. Know that Joe will have found many people to welcome him in heaven and, though not present, he will always be in your midst in spirit. May the Lord give you all the comfort you seek at this very sad time and may many friends be close to share many memories of Joe.

  2. Trevor Carroll says:

    Our Condolences from our family to yours. May God give you peace at this time!

    13. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brother about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

    1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 14

  3. Adriana Chiste says:

    Cara Teresa a te e la tua famiglia le nostre piu’ sentite condoglianze.Good bless you e ti aiuti in questo momento di dolore!

Leave a Condolence for Trevor Carroll