Domenico Paulo Mercuri

1934 - 2021

DECEMBER 6, 1934 – JANUARY 15, 2021

It is with profound grief that we sadly convey the news of the passing of our beloved Domenico “Dom” Paulo Mercuri, Friday, January 15, 2021 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.

Never could you meet a more loyal, respectful and generous man who faithfully lived his values. He had a strong work ethic, always willing to help out in whatever way he could and tried to fulfil every obligation to the best of his abilities. His word was his bond.

Domenico, a young and spry 21 year old arrived in Port Arthur in 1955 and quickly found employment at a service station. Although he was an auto mechanic in Nicastro, Italy, he pursued trade school in Toronto and received his Class “A” mechanic certification in March of 1962. During this time he met his beautiful wife, Nellina Chiodo and together they were blessed with three children.

Domenico was a well known and experienced auto mechanic in his day, so well in fact, that customers waited patiently for his specific attention to their vehicles. His employers frequently sent him to Toronto to be acquainted with up to date technologies on the ever changing auto industry. He was an expert in his field, worked night and day and even did a stint as a bartender to get ahead. After working over twenty years for local dealerships, he made the bold move in the early eighties to pursue his desire to be self employed and build up what was to become Central Auto Parts and Service. It was a future for his sons and possibly future generations.

Domenico loved to travel with countless trips to his homeland. He was particularly close to his niece Josephine and her husband Cesare DiCello who made the trek here to see him. When Domenico wasn't under a vehicle or at the parts counter, he enjoyed playing card games with friends and family either at his shop or at home. He recounted great stories and frequently gave fatherly advice to those he thought needed a gentle nudge in the right direction. He was constant with his phone calls to cherished friends whom he considered family, Teresa Calleri and cousin Sonny Costanzo. When he wasn't working he enjoyed bowling, racing, playing bocce and soccer, playing goaltender in his youth here in Port Arthur. Along with his two sons, he was involved with ice racing for over twenty-five years and enjoyed crossing the border to watch stock car races.

He was most fond of his Cadillacs, the older models and nicknamed each one 'The Boat'. You could often see him proudly driving them in town or towards the Grand Portage Casino. Daredevil that he was, he drove to Mexico in his red Caddy with old friends to watch the 1986 FIFA World Cup. He was a proud life-long member of the Italian Cultural Center as well as the DaVinci Centre.

Domenico had a generous heart and found joy in everything. He often invited stranded travellers to his table during the holidays. He had an infectious smile that lit up his face and took pride in the accomplishments of his family and friends. Their successes were his triumphs, their happiness was his joy.

More than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who helped him in his everyday life. Domenico was so fortunate to have Dr. Chris Allison, who, along with being his primary physician, was a constant and true friend to the very end. You and your lovely family meant so much to him. We were blessed to have Dr. Frank Nigro as his cardiologist. It was Dr. Nigro's fierce determination to leave no stone unturned in his quest to give Domenico a few more years with us. We will be forever grateful for having the privilege of having you in our lives. Domenico was very thankful to the many doctors and nurses previously and recently who helped him along the way.

Predeceased by his wonderful parents, Giuseppe and Francesca (nee Masi) Mercuri (Italy); dear uncle and aunt here, Antonio and Maria (nee Stella) Mercuri; brothers Fortunato (Angelina) and Antonio (Rosa); sisters Pasqualina (Antonio Stella), Rosa (Ubaldo Bartoletta) all in Italy. His in-laws here Giuseppe and Maria Chiodo, Rosa Cianfagna; cherished sister in-law Rena Chiodo, Pietro Chiodo and very special cousin Ralph Costanzo.

Domenico leaves behind his devoted wife of 62 years, Nellina “Nellie”; brother Giuseppe 'Pino” Mercuri in Australia; daughter, Francesca “Frances” and son-in law who he admired and respected, Rocco B. Larizza; sons, Giuseppe “Pino” and Riccardo Paulo “Rick” (Sherry); his beloved grandchildren of whom he was so proud, Michael (Melissa), Steven (Kaley), Diana (Jesse) in BC, Ryder, Mikayla and Juliaunna. His most cherished great-granchildren who gave him a renewed zest for life, Isabella “Bella” Grace and Alivia “Lulu” Marie Larizza, Max Stanley Domenico Thorogood, Sofia Ann Larizza and most recently Jacob Arthur West Thorogood.

He also leaves his dear in-laws whom he considered brothers and sisters, Luigi (Gina) of Niagara Falls, Alfredo (Leila) Chiodo forever helping with the sausages and tomato making, Tom (Emma) Chiodo, who constantly helped him at home and in his garden and faithful visitor, Victor Chiodo, who was his travel companion on countless medical trips and was ready to help at any given moment, Minnie (Pierino) Maletta, always baking his taralli and Ida Chiodo as well as his special cousin Fiorina Costanzo.

Funeral Services for the late Mr. Domenico Mercuri will be held privately in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma led by Fr. Luigi Filippini of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church. Entombment to follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum, St. Andrew's Cemetery. A recording of the services will be available on the Everest of Thunder Bay website the following day.

As directed by the Province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, the attendance at each visitation is restricted and a record of attendance must be maintained. Wearing of masks or face coverings by everyone and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet is mandatory for those attending.

Family and friends who wish to make a donation in memory of Domenico are graciously encouraged to consider Thunder Bay Health Sciences Foundation – Cardiac Fund.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com

In order for our family and staff to honour


Domenico


Central Auto Parts will be Closed


Friday, January 22, 2021


Reopening Monday, January 25, 2021.