December 7, 1943 – March 19, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Bruno Zaffino’s passing. He left us peacefully on March 19, 2026, at age 82, surrounded by family after bravely fighting cancer for sixteen months.
Bruno was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. He lived quietly but loved big. His kindness wasn’t flashy – it was steady and true, shown through patience, a good sense of humor and deep love you could always feel. His laugh was contagious and his smile never faded. Bruno stood strong with dedication and honesty that made everyone’s life better.
Born December 7, 1943 in Serra San Bruno in Calabria, Italy to Cosimo and Addolorata Zaffino, Bruno took a big step at age 20 when he left Italy in ’64 to start fresh in Canada. Reuniting with his brother Nazzareno in Thunder Bay marked the beginning of a full life here. On July 15th of ’67 he married Maria Valente-the love of his life-and together they raised three kids over more than fifty-eight years.
Family meant everything to Bruno. He treasured every minute spent with them whether it was celebrating something special or just enjoying Sunday dinners together. His three grandchildren brought him endless joy-playing soccer in the backyard, checking out his grape vines, trips up to Duluth or Lutsen or drives out to Mission Marsh are memories no one will forget. Those were truly some of his happiest times.
He liked simple pleasures most-long drives with Maria and visiting different churches around town made him happy. Gardening and sitting outside soaking up the sun were favorites too. He enjoyed music walks with friends plus playing Briscola cards; watching slapstick comedies like The Three Stooges or tuning into Italian shows on RAI gave him great comfort as well. He passed down family traditions like making wine, tomato sauce and soppressata-a real point of pride shared by all.
Bruno leaves behind his wife Maria (Valente); children Dolores (Ray), Cosimo (Donna), Antonio; plus his grandkids Dylan, Hope & Abby who adored him deeply. Also surviving are brother Nazzareno (Nicolina) along with sisters Maria, Assunta, Franca and Carmela as well as many nieces and nephews from their extended family circle. He was predeceased by parents Cosimo & Addolorata and brothers Giuseppe & Raffaele.
Our thanks go out to Drs Del Paggio, Ward, Simpson, Rumbolt & Harris who gave us precious extra time with Bruno during this fight against cancer. Special gratitude also goes to nurse Farrah plus staff at TBRHSC on unit 1A along with St Joe’s Hospice for their kind care throughout.
The funeral service will take place Tuesday March 24th at St Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church starting at 11:00am where Father Bonaventure Anaike will celebrate Mass alongside family friends gathering beforehand beginning at ten o’clock inside the church itself. The immediate family will follow afterwards for private entombment at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Friends may join for refreshments afterward back at Westfort Chapel Funeral Home.
If you wish to honor Bruno’s memory please consider donating instead to Northern Cancer Fund via Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Foundation located at 980 Oliver Road Thunder Bay ON P7B6V4 or online www. healthsciencesfoundation. ca
The arrangements have been handled by Westfort Chapel situated on 420 West Gore Street near James Avenue.
We’ll remember a man who truly lived fully-one whose spirit stays alive within those who knew him best.
His absence will be felt deeply yet fondly held forever close.
Que Sera Sera……
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