Carniato, John

Mr. John Carniato age 88 years, lifetime resident of Thunder Bay died unexpectedly at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Wednesday, February 22, 2006. John was born October 3, 1917 to his mother Anita, who was widowed 33 days after her marriage to his father Giovanni Carniato. This young widowed bride gave birth to him under these unfortunate circumstances in a strange land, struggling to survive and barely able to speak the language. However, she had the loving support of her sister Maria and brother-in-law Pietro Carniato. His mother married Virginio Carniato two years later, the youngest brother of the Carniato family. Those Carniato men had real charm. This union bore 3 children, daughters Velina and Sally, and brother Dino who died at age 10 of septicemia. John graduated from Port Arthur Technical and Commercial High School in 1935 (now Hillcrest High) with an electrical diploma. Unfortunately he was unable to apprentice in this trade due to the labour laws, and subsequently began working at the Canada Car Foundry at age 18. He served with the Canadian Army in the Winnipeg Rifles from 1942-1946 and upon discharge to civilian life, resumed working at Canada Car until his retirement at age 62. John served three terms as president of the United Auto Workers Union (now the CAW) from 1967 to 1978. During his presidency, he was responsible for aiding in the employment of many Italian immigrants, urging his employers to buddy these new immigrants with English speaking Italians to teach them their skills and facilitate their assimilation into the work force. He took great pride in this accomplishment. Music was a large part of his life and gave him great enjoyment. Every evening after work for relaxation he would play the guitar and serenade anyone who would listen. He likened himself to the great Caruso. John had a good voice but he was no Caruso. In his own mind he was a legend. John was a lifetime member of the Italian Society and its greatest critic. Diplomacy was not one of his fortes. He is survived by his only child Marnie Hemmings (Jerry) and grandchildren Jordan and Ashley of Brandon, Manitoba, sisters Velina Morgan and Sally Kowalchuk of Thunder Bay, niece Karen Kowalchuk of Toronto and nephew Roger Kowalchuk (Corinne) of Thunder Bay and their children Nancy and Mark Kowalchuk and Jason Kruppa, as well as other relatives and numerous cousins. John was predeceased by his two fathers, Giovanni and Virginio, his mother Anita (Pasin), brother Dino and niece Claudine Kruppa and brothers-in-law John Kowalchuk and Wally Morgan. Funeral services for the late Mr. John Carniato will be held on Monday, February 27, 2006 leaving the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley St. at Algoma at 8:50 AM to St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM. Interment to follow in the family plot, St. AndrewÇs Cemetery. Visitation for friends will be after 6:00 PM Sunday evening in the EVEREST CHAPEL with the Vigil Prayers offered at 7:00 PM. Should friends so desire, donations to St. Joseph's Care Group , or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Please sign theonline condolences ateverestofthunderbay.com