Obituary of Joseph Giuseppe Michelussi

August 26, 1933 – Gorizia, Italy

August 28, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Joseph Michelussi, age 90, a long-time resident of Thunder Bay, Ontario passed away peacefully in Calgary, Alberta on Monday August 28, 2023.

Joseph Michelussi was born in the town of Gorizia in Northern Italy on August 26, 1933.  He along with his father Antonio, his mother Stefania and his six siblings lived through the German occupation of World War II on a small farm in the suburb of Oslavia, Italy. He fell in love with Maria Hlede from the small town of Steverjan (San Floriano), just a few kilometers (by Vespa) up the road.  They were married on February 19, 1955, and then made the brave decision to immigrate to Canada in 1958 with their two small children, daughter Irma and son Mariano, where they settled in Thunder Bay, Ontario.  

Upon arrival in Canada, Joseph worked many labourer jobs to support his family until he eventually landed his career long job as auto mechanic at Dominion Motors. Both Joseph and Maria worked very hard to build a wonderful home and life in Thunder Bay while still taking time to enjoy family gatherings, picnics, gardening, and growing friendships within the community. Joseph’s passions included: fixing things, wine making, hunting, fishing, Hockey Night in Canada and sitting with friends and neighbours to enjoy a glass of homemade wine.  He was most proud of his family and the life he built in Canada.  The Michelussi family, together with the Pejkovic family took an unforgettable two-month vacation/pilgrimage back to Italy and Slovenia to re-unite with family relations in 1968.  After their return to Thunder Bay, a new family member, son David, was born in 1969.  After many years in Thunder Bay, Joseph moved to Calgary in June of 2016 to be closer to his son Mariano (Tom) and his grandchildren.

Joseph was predeceased by his wife Maria on July 31, 1999 (age 67), siblings: Maria; Emilia; Antonio; Emilio; and Lidia and special friend Pepa Jovanovic.  Joseph is survived by sister: Olga Pejkovic (of Toronto, Ontario); daughter Irma Carolina (of Toronto, Ontario); two sons: Mariano Tom (of Calgary, Alberta) and David (of Fenton, Missouri); two daughter in-laws: Natasha (of Calgary) and Karin (of Fenton). He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Tommy; Tasha; James; Robbie; Andrea; Cameron; Hayden; Ashley; Chandara; Orion and Cyrus along with three great-grandchildren.

Joseph was both a strong and kind man who had many stories to share, many hugs (and kisses) to give, and many life lessons to live by.  He will be remembered with great fondness by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday Sept. 15, 2023 at 10:30 am at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church (Thunder Bay, Ontario). Entombment will follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum, St. Andrew’s Cemetery, where Joseph will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Maria.  Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday Sept. 14 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverly Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

In living memory of Joseph Michellussi, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.