It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Luigi Lisanti, who passed away at the age of 87 at Mountain Lake Seniors’ Community in the early hours of February 25, 2016.
Luigi, the third of nine children, was born on March 23, 1928 in Muro Lucano, Italy, to Vincenzo Lisanti and Maria Lucia Piccirilli. He married Antonietta Corsetti, the love of his life, in 1952 and they were soon blessed by the birth of their son Tony. Though they were happy living among their close-knit family, Luigi and Antonietta were attracted by the opportunities Canada had to offer, and settled in Nelson in 1956. Luigi soon started working for the City of Nelson public works department, and Luigi’s family became a little bigger with the arrival of his daughter Lucia.
Luigi became a fixture in Nelson’s Italian-Canadian community. He was known by friends and neighbours as a kind man who was always willing to lend a hand when a rock wall had to be built or a cement pad had to be finished. He loved music and gladly took up any opportunity to play his accordion. Adored by his very large extended family, Luigi was everyone’s favourite zio (uncle), and memories of his story-telling will always bring a smile to those he left behind.
Luigi leaves behind Antonietta, his wife of 64 years, children Tony and Lucia, son-in-law Rocco Mastrobuono, grandchildren Giovanni and Luigi, siblings Teresa Russo, Brigida Tummillo and Gerardo Lisanti, and many nephews and nieces. Luigi was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Antonio, Maria Luigi, Fraustina and Pietro.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday March 2, 2016 at 10:30 a.m., at the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate, 813 Ward Street, Nelson, BC.
The Lisanti and Mastrobuono families would like to thank Dr. Noiles, Dr Janz, and all the staff of Mountain Lake Seniors’ Community for the care they provided Luigi. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation, 3 View Street, Nelson, BC, V1L 2V1.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service.
on-line condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca