November 22, 1931 – November 20, 2025
It is with heavy hearts the family announces the peaceful passing of Sebastiano “Sam” Sgromo two days shy of his 94th birthday on Thursday November 20, 2025 – a wonderful Dad, Nonno, BisNonno, Brother, Uncle and friend.
Dad was born on November 22, 1931 in Curinga, Catanzaro, Italy. Our parents came to Thunder Bay to start a better life together. They lived in a humble apartment on Cumberland Street, which caught fire. They then moved into our Uncle Domenic’s house on Peter Street, while saving their money to build their home on Hill Street in 1963. Dad lived there for 61 years until he needed 24/7 care. Dad’s passion was growing and nurturing his garden and greenhouse and sharing them with everyone around him – especially the tomatoes. He loved to make homemade wine, sausages, olives, and minestrone which he also shared with family and friends, leaving no one empty handed. And all knew that it was easier to take it, enjoy or simply pay it forward than to say no thank you. – “Take it! Take it! I don’t need anything” he would insist.
Dad’s focus was his family. He was always there for us whether to help build his first son John’s home or the sauna, garage or shed at camp.
Dad was a prolific inventor, talented artist who made beautiful pieces of copper which he donated to the church. He was especially proud of the Copper Olive Tree he designed and built in Celebration of the 100 year anniversary in honour of our mom, the love of his life, Ortensia. It still proudly sits in the lobby of St. Anthony’s Church, along with the tabernacle at its altar. He was an active member of St. Anthony’s Parish, the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus and a proud member of the Italian Hall for over 50 years.
Sam is survived by his children Anna (Ron) Mauro, John (Teresa) and Peter (Bryce – grandog), grandchildren Jade and Jazmine Mauro with great grandchildren Sterling and Laiken, Julia and Kyle Kawahara, Johnny and Aly Sgromo and of course his grand child named after him, Sebastian James. He is also survived by sister in law Anita DeVito in Italy, and brother in law Tony Currado in London Ontario, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for the late Sebastiano Sgromo will be held on Tuesday November 25, 2025 leaving the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street, at 9:50 am to St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. Private entombment to follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum, St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, November 24 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm in the Everest Chapel with the Vigil Prayers offered at 7:00 pm.
The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the St. Anthony’s Church YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cVEN2ADpNw) , or can be viewed later on the Everest of Thunder Bay website, along with the Vigil Prayers.
The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers, baskets or masses, donations be made to St. Anthony’s Building Fund for ongoing maintenance of the church. Donations of any amount can be accepted at the Everest Funeral Chapel.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
