It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Roberto, in his 53rd year, after a stoic battle with cancer. Roberto leaves behind his devoted wife Lina and their two beautiful children, Simona and Alessia. He is predeceased by his loving parents Pasquale and Mafalda Vicinotti. Dear son-in-law of Andrea and Nadia Giammarco. Much loved little brother of Gianna and Marcello and brother-in-law to Anita, Joseph Giammarco and Sarah. Adored Zio of Matteo, Gianluca, Amelia and Charlotte.

Roberto will be dearly missed by many aunts, uncles and cousins in Canada and Italy, especially Renato Demicheli. Affectionately known by his many friends in Canada and Italy as Bert, Baba, Robé, Vicino’ and Compa’, particularly in his beloved hometown of Torano Castello.

A special thank you to our Angels on Earth who have supported us every step of the way with coffee visits, food deliveries, rides to scans, childcare and unwavering friendship. In particular, Roberto cherished his beautiful Commara.

Roberto was an accomplished musician. He studied at conservatories in both Cosenza and Cremona before returning to Canada and becoming a certified piano teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music. He taught at several music schools before starting his own private home instruction. His passion for music inspired him to teach himself to play the guitar. He enjoyed many impromptu sing-a-longs with his friends growing up and reignited this tradition with his family and friends in Canada. He spent many Friday evenings jamming with Lina and his girls and whoever else happened to be around the table.

Roberto cherished his family. He was so proud of his nephews and always took credit for instilling a love of music and pizza-making in them. He grew up helping in the family auto service business where he inherited a love of cars from his father. He especially loved working on his 1979 Fiat Spider with his brother and later Papa passed on his love for Italian cars and Formula 1 Racing to his own daughters. Roberto was a kind soul who naturally took care of others. He dedicated many years caring for his mother and bonded with her over Italian soap operas and learning to cook traditional meals. Later, he shared these passions with his sister as their conversations always included the latest update on Italian television and pop culture.

Roberto worked at Flamboro Downs Racetrack in photofinishing for the past 17 years and joked that after all that time, he still knew nothing about horse betting. On his days off, Roberto perfected the art of pizza-making and had a very particular process, but insisted the most important ingredient was love. He looked forward to hosting friends around the pizza oven, wine glass in hand, awaiting their feedback with a hopeful grin. Roberto loved travelling with his family especially to Italy where he was raised. He beamed as he introduced his girls to Italian culture and constantly repeated that, “everything is better in Calabria!”

Although Canadian by birth, Roberto immersed himself in all things Italian including his daily espresso, good red wine, culinary delights for his family and of course all with the RAI television channel on in the background. He grew to love gardening and home maintenance but above all his love for his wife and children was top priority. Until his final days, his only thoughts were of their wellbeing.

He will be remembered for his sense of humour and entertaining storytelling and always having a smile on his face, qualities that he never lost throughout his journey with cancer. Robe’, we will lovingly remember the way you made up English words and your charming banter that appeared to annoy us but really made us laugh.
Thank you to Roberto’s medical team including Dr. M. Marcaccio, Dr. K. Zbuk, Dr. P. Andrus, Dr. J. Centofanti, the oncology staff at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, especially Jamie Lynn, VON Nursing Staff, and the Palliative Care Team. Roberto always expressed his gratitude and said he was in good hands.

Visitation to take place at Bay Gardens, 943 Rymal Road, Hamilton ON on Tuesday, July 8th from 1-3pm and 5-9pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 63 Hwy 20 East, Stoney Creek ON on Wednesday, July 9th at 11am. A private interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre Foundation are greatly appreciated.

Rest in Peace Roberto. I "steal" love you.

For those unable to attend the mass in person, please join the family by livestream by copying the link below:
https://my.forever.link/register/BayGardens/roberto-vicinotti