Giovanni “John” Pirillo
March 24, 1935 - September 23, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Giovanni “John” Pirillo on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Niagara Health St. Catharines at the age of 89.

Beloved husband of Maria (née Venneri) for 67 years, Giovanni was a cherished father to Susan (Mark Gemin) and Santino (Tina Pirillo). Adored Nonno to Stephen (April) Gemin, Matthew Gemin (Kelsi), Alicia Gemin (Anthony), Larissa Pirillo, and Ashley Pirillo. He will be missed by his siblings Rosaria (Ferdinande) Berardi, Emma (Mario) Mauro of British Columbia, and Silvio (Rosetta) Pirillo of Italy, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews in Canada, Italy, France, and Germany.

Born on March 24, 1935, in Mangone, Calabria, Italy, Giovanni immigrated to Canada with Maria and their young daughter Susan in 1964. After a brief stay in British Columbia, they settled in St. Catharines, where Giovanni became an integral part of the community. Known for his passion for gardening, canning, and creating traditional Italian sausages, capicollo, and prosciutto, Giovanni’s home was filled with warmth, family, and delicious food. He also enjoyed hockey, soccer, and visiting local markets for the freshest ingredients.

Visitors will be received at Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, 2 Regent Street, Thorold, on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with Vigil prayers at 3:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 31 Chestnut Street East, St. Catharines. The Rite of Committal will take place at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens.

Anita McIntosh (nee Stockwell)
March 11, 1942 - September 25, 2024

McINTOSH, Anita (née Stockwell) – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anita McIntosh, who passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Niagara Health St. Catharines, with her husband by her side.

Beloved wife and best friend to Bill for 52 years, Anita was the sister of Joanne (Lloyd) Climenhage and the late John (AnneMarie) Stockwell, and sister-in-law to John (Donna) McIntosh and the late Robert McIntosh. She will be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Anita was born in St. Catharines in 1942 and married Bill in 1972. Together, they lived in Oshawa, then moved to the Peterborough and Lindsay areas, before returning to St. Catharines upon retirement. A dedicated employee, Anita retired in 1997 after 34 years with General Motors. In her younger years, she was a skilled bridge player and a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

A legion service to honor Anita will be held at Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, 2 Regent Street, Thorold, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., followed by an open house-style visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Anita will be laid to rest at Victoria Lawn Cemetery at a later date.

Helen Carmel Timmons (formerly O’Brien, nee MacPherson)
December 15, 1933 - October 11, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Carmel Timmons on Friday, October 11, 2024, at West Hills Care Centre, St. Catharines, in her 91st year.

Beloved mother to Deborah (Donny), Gladys (Larry), Patricia, Kathleen (Terry), and Paul (the late Catharine), Carmel will be dearly missed by her family. She was a cherished “Nanny” to grandchildren Christopher (Andrew), Michael (Lara), Kyle, Kaitlyn, Levi (Janine), Jessica (Jason), Jenna, PJ, and predeceased by her grandson Stephen. Carmel was also the proud “Great Nanny” of Katherine, Matthew, David, Emily, Ethan, Titan, Wyatt, Adaline, Coulson, Isabelle, Liam, and Jamieson.

Carmel was born and raised in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in a loving family. She is survived by her sisters Theresa (the late Greg) and Lorraine, and is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Myrtle, as well as siblings Joe D (Norma), Chrissy (Teddy), Vincie (Shirley), and Rita. Her extended family, including nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, remember her fondly.

Known for her love of music, gardening, cooking, and baking—Carmel was especially proud of her “Best Baker” award at Thorold Seniors. Above all, her family was her greatest joy, and she loved visits over a Tim Horton’s coffee. The family wishes to thank the staff at West Hills for their kindness and care over the last four years.