GHIONE, Ivo John André
We are heartbroken to share that Dad passed away on Wednesday, November 5, at the age of 82. This is an immense loss for his children Lisa (Paolo), Yvette (Al), and André (Shannon); along with grandchildren Gianluca and Lucia. After many years of sorrow, he’s now back with his late son Christopher. He will be sorely missed by his sister and lifelong companion, Nadia Popovich; niece Nicole Popovich; and great-niece Isabella Massey. Also mourning his passing are his brother Robert (Susan); cousins Raymond Colautti and Aileen Maddison and their families; numerous cousins in Italy and France; as well as friends from Sault Ste. Marie, Windsor, and around the globe.
Dad was predeceased by his parents Giovanni and Flora (née Carabalona); his brother-in-law Eli “Itch” Popovich; and nephew John Popovich.
Ivo was born in Tende, France, a quaint mountain village in the Maritime Alps. His early years were spent happily in Cavallermaggiore, Italy, where his father ran a butcher shop while family lived close by. The family immigrated to Canada in 1949, settling down in Windsor, Ontario. They initially lived with Flora’s sister and brother-in-law Andreina and Garry Colautti’s family who played significant roles in Dad’s life; his zia acted like a second mother to him while his uncle became a mentor.
Smart, curious, sociable, energetic and resilient-Dad had a lively youth filled with adventures-and some misadventures (likely the reason behind why Mom’s hair turned white so soon). Thankfully he mostly avoided serious trouble thanks to strong values instilled by his parents: he particularly enjoyed working at Johnny’s Sunoco gas station where his dad managed pumps and serviced cars. Uncle Garry also guided him at Keystone Contractors. Dad balanced hard work with fun too: competing in wrestling matches, attending Detroit Tigers games, playing endless card games, or hitting the road for trips with friends were highlights of his past.
After graduating from the University of Windsor in 1969, Dad took up a teaching position in Sault Ste. Marie based on a friend’s recommendation that it was an ideal place to live and raise a family. And it truly was-“the Soo” always held special meaning for him. He quickly found community among wonderful neighbors as well as fellow educators just starting their journeys like himself. He formed lasting friendships there including one with Garry “Hulk” James right off the bat. Together they started a contracting business that kept them occupied during summers for several years. Even after Uncle Hulk could no longer work due to health issues Dad kept on building-including finishing up construction on another deck last year.
During over 40 years spent teaching in Sault Ste., he worked across both public & separate school systems at Bawating C & VS St Basil Secondary School as well as St Mary’s College along with contributions made towards Alternative School Programs; he even coached wrestling briefly during this time! Many former students became good friends throughout those years yet remarkably enough he never forgot any names-or faces! If anyone reading remembers him then rest assured you’d have received your own hearty “Hi!” accompanied by an enthusiastic handshake from him!
Although not necessarily one of the top students himself growing up-Dad valued education greatly! He had an authentic enthusiasm regarding geography/world affairs which brought these topics alive within classrooms full of eager learners-a true advocate for knowledge! An avid traveler himself-he often organized school trips abroad introducing students new cultures & locations such places like France Mexico Spain encouraging them broaden horizons beyond borders!
He continued nurturing this love for learning through out life obtaining certifications ranging from welding/commercial driving license along side degrees Criminology Lake Superior State University plus TEFL/TOESL accreditations too! Not only did he earn SCUBA certification but volunteered locally Sault Search Rescue trained pilot studied Arabic Spanish languages!
In keeping true spirit adventure–it comes no surprise whatsoever those who knew saw how post-retirement lifestyle revolved around working various jobs including ESL classes teacher training course/program development Italy UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar alongside security gigs when needed. Between contracts , we would frequently find ourselves cruising seas Alaska Europe Caribbean transatlantic crossings seeking fellow bridge players whenever anchored port or embarking road trips visit relatives/friends. We all learned expect unannounced visits earlier than expected arrival times needing keep brandy stocked mornings coffee just case !
During final chapters life settled back down Windsor take care mother Flora home. When she passed away 2023 followed shortly thereafter Itch’ s death one year later –it became dynamic duo against world–Nadia joining forces together. One last beautiful decision made adopt Ozzy , playful pup pure joy now serves loyal companion instead !
All pursuits showed how engaged world-community-church-students-friends-neighbors-family through actions rather than words alone ; kindness acts demonstrated genuine care toward others whether shoveling driveways sharing meals checking friends volunteering Big Brother program bringing Holy Communion sick simply acknowledging humanity existing each person encountered their lives journey daily basis.
Grease monkey road worker builder teacher PI volunteer member Giovanni Caboto Club Honorary Alpino Cuneo Regiment wore many hats throughout existence however best suited title worn most proudly remained ‘Dad’: fiercely loved children countless ways – encouraging curiosity sharing interests engaging theirs guiding championing efforts celebrating successes relishing joys holding tight providing support losses making sure checked oil before road trips (or doing it ) introducing double-rich chocolate egg malts ensuring stocked paper products sending joke compilation emails finally conceding getting smartphone Face Time check ins regularly ! And what about Nonno hat ? Well icing cake cherished every moment grandchildren proud happy being company little ones brought biggest smiles face !
Throughout struggles battled cancer hoped outcome similar previous knuckle scrapes believing perhaps we’d see more 10-20 years together sadly reality hit differently prepared everything finalize properly desired depart peacefully last journey left porch painting ready.(You got us from here Pop.)
Thankful grateful staff nursing team Windsor Regional Cancer Centre especially Lauren Witherow Doctors Meadows Huang Naeem offered continuous care support special mention given Dr Tayag Border City Family Health ensuring always looked after best interest throughout period illness !
Memorial visitation held St Angela Merici Church located 980 Louis Ave Windsor ON scheduled Monday November 10th ,2025 starting promptly @10am till Funeral Mass commencing @11 am In lieu flowers please consider donations Sick Kids Foundation Canadian Cancer Society Windsor Essex Food Bank Association
