BRUNO ZAFFINO
December 7, 1943 – March 19, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Bruno Zaffino, our dear Father and Nonno. He died peacefully on March 19, 2026 at age 82, surrounded by his family after bravely fighting cancer for sixteen months.
Bruno was a devoted Husband, Father, Nonno, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He lived quietly but loved deeply. His kindness wasn’t flashy – it was steady and reliable, shown through his patience, humor and constant love that everyone felt strongly. Bruno’s laugh was contagious and he smiled all the time. He was a strong man with great dedication and honesty who made our lives brighter.
Born on December 7, 1943 in Serra San Bruno, Calabria Italy to Cosimo and Addolorata Zaffino, Bruno took a bold step at age twenty in 1964 when he moved from Italy to Canada. Joining up with his brother Nazzareno in Thunder Bay started a new chapter for him. On July 15, 1967 he married Maria Valente-the love of his life-and together they raised three amazing kids. They shared over fifty-eight wonderful years together.
Family meant everything to Bruno. He cherished every moment spent with them-whether it was celebrating milestones or just having Sunday dinners. His heart was full whenever he was around those he cared about most. His three grandchildren brought him so much joy. Memories like playing soccer in the backyard or checking on grapes growing on the vine stick out-plus trips to Duluth and Lutsen or rides out to Mission Marsh were some of his favorite times.
Bruno enjoyed simple pleasures most of all. Long drives with Maria and visiting various Church services across town made him happiest. Gardening and sitting outside soaking up sunshine were also special pastimes for him. He embraced life fully-listening to music, walking with friends around town, playing Briscola cards, watching silly slapstick shows like The Three Stooges or catching Italian programs on RAI TV were everyday joys for him. Many traditions came from Bruno that he passed down to his children and grandkids including making wine, tomato sauce and soppressata-a true family effort that filled him with pride.
He leaves behind his wife Maria (Valente); children Dolores (Ray), Cosimo (Donna), Antonio; along with treasured grandchildren Dylan, Hope & Abby. Also surviving are brother Nazzareno (Nicolina) plus sisters Maria, Assunta, Franca and Carmela as well as many nieces and nephews across the extended family network. His parents Cosimo & Addolorata plus brothers Giuseppe & Raffaele went before him.
The family sends thanks to Drs Del Paggio, Ward, Simpson, Rumbolt & Harris for their care that gave us more time with Bruno-and special appreciation goes to community nurse Farrah along with staff at TBRHSC ward 1A and St Joe’s Hospice whose compassion meant so much during this journey.
A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday March 24th at St Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church starting at eleven o’clock in the morning where friends & family will gather-celebrated by Father Bonaventure Anaike-with visitation beginning one hour earlier inside the church at ten am before service begins for those wishing to pay respects beforehand followed by private interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens reserved just for close family afterward. Everyone is invited afterward to join together in the Church Hall for refreshments.
If you wish to honor Bruno’s memory please consider donations instead of flowers given toward Northern Cancer Fund via Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Foundation located at 980 Oliver Road Thunder Bay ON P7B 6V4 or online www. healthsciencesfoundation. ca
The arrangements have been handled through Westfort Chapel located at 420 West Gore Street near James Street.
We’ll always remember a man who lived simply but fully-and left behind memories no one can forget.
He’ll be missed so much yet forever kept close in our hearts.-Que Sera Sera……
