BRUNO ZAFFINO

December 7, 1943 ~ March 19, 2026
With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Father and Nonno, Bruno Zaffino, who passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026 at the age of 82 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous 16 month battle with cancer.

Bruno was a beloved Husband, Father, Nonno, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He led quietly and loved generously. His kindness was not loud it was steady, dependable, expressed with patience, humor, and unwavering love that was deeply felt. Bruno's laugh was infectious and his smile was constant. He was a man of strength, dedication, and integrity that made our lives better and brighter.

Bruno was born on December 7, 1943, in Serra San Bruno, Calabria, Italy, to Cosimo and Addolorata Zaffino. In 1964, at the age of 20, Bruno made the courageous decision to leave Italy and start a new life in Canada. Reuniting with his brother Nazzareno in Thunder Bay, he began building what would soon be a full life. On July 15, 1967, Bruno married the love of his life, Maria Valente, and together they raised three wonderful children. They were blessed with over 58 beautiful years.

Bruno's family was his greatest joy. He took pride in every moment spent with them. Whether celebrating milestones or enjoying Sunday dinners, his heart was full when surrounded by those he loved most. Bruno's three grandchildren were the light of his life. Memories of playing soccer in the backyard, inspecting his grapes on the vine, trips to Duluth and Lutsen or rides out to Mission Marsh will not be forgotten. For him, those were the richest moments.

Bruno loved the simple things. His happiest days were going for long drives with Maria and attending different Church services throughout the city. Bruno loved time spent in the garden and sitting outside in the warm sun. He embraced life fully enjoying music, walking with friends, playing Briscola, slapstick comedies like The Three Stooges, and watching his Italian programs on RAI. Bruno brought with him traditions that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Making wine, tomato sauce, and soppressata was a family affair and something he was very proud of.

Bruno will be deeply missed by his wife Maria (Valente); his children Dolores (Ray), Cosimo (Donna), and Antonio; and his cherished grandchildren, Dylan, Hope & Abby. He is also survived by his brother Nazzareno (Nicolina) and his sisters Maria, Assunta, Franca and Carmela, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Predeceased by his parents Cosimo and Addolorata and his brothers Giuseppe & Raffaele.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Del Paggio, Dr. Ward, Dr. Simpson, Dr. Rumbolt and Dr. Harris for giving us more time with Bruno. A special thank you to his community nurse Farrah, and the staff at TBRHSC on 1A and at St. Joe's Hospice for their compassionate care.

Funeral services for the late Mr. Bruno Zaffino will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 with family and friends gathering in St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 11:00am celebrated by Father Bonaventure Anaike. A private entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens for immediate family to gather. Visitation will be held in the Church one hour prior to the service, starting at 10:00am. Friends and family are welcome to gather at the Westfort Chapel Funeral Home for refreshments after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruno's memory may be made to the Northern Cancer Fund at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Foundation, 980 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4 or online at www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.

We will celebrate a life beautifully lived and a legacy that will never fade. He will be dearly missed and forever cherished.
Que Sera Sera……
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