This story is written in memory of Joe “Giuseppe” Claudio, a much loved husband, father and
grandfather.
Joe was born in Muzzana, Italy on May 4, 1931, to Maria and Ernesto Claudio. The family, including three brothers and one sister, later moved to Mortegliano, where Joe went to school,
and helped on his father’s farm. At age eighteen he joined the Italian army in the “Alpino” division. He served the next two and a half years in the Alps of northern Italy. His army service was a great source of pride to him.
In his early twenties he moved to Neuchatel, Switzerland, where he began working in the construction industry. This was to be his life-long vocation. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 to join his older brother, Tita. After working for a few months in Windsor, North Bay became his home. His work ethic was second to none. He went from being a labourer, to a painting contractor, to owner of his own construction company in just a few short years. The homes he
built throughout the city will be a lasting memorial to this hard working man.
There was so much more to Joe than being a good provider who took great pride in his work. In 1961 he married Sandra Leyburne and they had two wonderful children, Lisa and David. When Lisa married Sam Najm in 1993, he was the proud “father of the bride”. This marriage was blessed with two precious girls, Gabriella and Maia. They were the joy of his life. Joe also loved to dance and in his younger years never missed a party at the Davedi Club; sitting out a waltz or a cha cha was never an option. Fishing and hunting were relaxing pastimes as well. However, he realized later that there was much more enjoyment in feeding the ducks than hunting them.
His life in Canada, his adopted home, was happy and fulfilling, but a part of his heart remained in Italy. Many summer months were spent there with the family. His wife and children fell in
love with his country, and all the family who lived there. In 1984 he built a vacation home in Mortegliano. I cannot find words to describe the peace and happiness the whole family felt there.
Sadly, Joe passed away suddenly on November 24, 2010, leaving a huge gap in all our hearts. He was greatly loved, and although we miss him terribly, we will always have our memories of his “life well lived”.
We will love you always.