Giovanni (John) Zanchetta passed away on March 31, 2024, at the age of 84 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Castello di Godego (Treviso), Italy to hardworking farmers Sante and Teresina Zanchetta. In 1961, he immigrated to Canada to join his sister and brother-in-law in the Little Italy area of Copper Cliff, where he met his future wife [Elizabeth (Betty) DiSalle], who fatefully lived next door with her family.
Giovanni and Betty were married in 1966, and he built (with his own hands) a beautiful house in Coniston where they lived together for 57 years and raised three lovely daughters. Giovanni’s favourite pastimes over the years have included watching & coaching cycling, solving problems & puzzles, hosting family & friends, learning about animals & nature, and tending a lush and beautiful garden which has nourished many families and friends.
Giovanni was a master carpenter who could do everything from building a house to crafting the furniture inside it. His immense talents were first put to use in Italy and Switzerland creating fine furniture. In Canada, he started out framing houses in Toronto, and then, after settling in the Sudbury area, he switched to furniture repair. He used his considerable expertise working at Sears and later his own furniture repair business for 40 years.
Giovanni was a kind, patient, clever, funny, talented, and generous man who was loved by all who knew him. He will forever be cherished in the hearts of his loving wife Betty, and his daughters Cristina (Joe), Claudia, and Daniella.
He will be dearly missed by his sisters Bruna Daminato (Tarci) and Anna Bordignon (Mario, dec). He is predeceased by his brother Matteo (Franca). He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends, and family around the world including Canada, Italy, France, Switzerland, Australia and the United States.
The family would like to sincerely thank the many incredible caregivers who supported Giovanni through his illness: especially Dr. Crichton and The City of Lakes Family Health Team, Dr. Emack and The Northeast Cancer Centre, the many clinicians at Health Sciences North, and Lise Waltenbury and the teams at Northeast Home and Community Care and Bayshore Nursing.
As per Giovanni’s wishes, there will be no visitation. He will be interred at the Civic Memorial Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Maison McCulloch Hospice, and The Northeast Cancer Centre.