"My dear friends! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Mr. Provenzano! Much love, Salena "
In loving memory of
Giovanni Provenzano
June 2, 1941 - March 2, 2023
Giovanni Provenzano
Gates: Surrounded by his loving family, Giovanni Provenzano, Rochester, NY, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday, March 2, 2023, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Cianciana, Sicily on June 2, 1941, to the late Felice and Giuseppa (Castagna) Provenzano.
Giovanni grew up with 7 siblings in Sicily, working with his father and brothers to manage the family farm. At the age of 18, he migrated to Germany where he would spend nearly 5 years working in the coal mines. From there he moved to South France to start a painting operation with his older brother Francesco. After a couple of years, he decided to voyage once again to find his sister Onofria in Belgium and began working at a local brewery.
A few years later he decided to journey once more to Toronto, Canada where his sister Tanina lived. It was there that he learned to weld, spending 5 years mastering his craft.
In 1969 he attended a dinner party in LeRoy, NY hosted by friends from his hometown in Sicily. It was there that he met Maria Carubia, who he would marry just one short year later. He settled down in LeRoy, became a US citizen, and perused a 35-year career welding at Graham Manufacturing in Batavia, NY.
Giovanni's many hobbies included cultivating his vegetable garden, playing bocce, going to the casino, and playing cards with friends. However, his greatest passion was spending time with his family, including his wife, three children, and his seven grandchildren who were his ultimate pride and joy.
Giovanni is predeceased by his parents Felice and Giuseppa (Castagna) Provenzano, his brothers Modesto and Francesco Provenzano, and his sisters Tanina Giambrone and Giuseppina Cichirillo.
In addition to Maria, his wife of 53 years, Giovanni is survived by his daughter JoAnna (John) Blount, his two sons Phil (Andrea) Provenzano and Joe Provenzano and his grandchildren, Olivia and Lucas Blount and Giovanni and Arianna Provenzano and Joey, Talia, and Anthony Provenzano and his siblings Onofria Danna, Angela Montalbano, and Antonia (Pietro) Gambino along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
Giovanni's life story will be shared during his visitation, Sunday, March 5th, 1-5 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Monday, March 6th, at 11 AM at Parish of the Holy Family, 4100 Lyell Rd. He will then be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 435 E. Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 in his memory.
Tributes
"To the Provenzano family - our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this time of loss. Your father was such a hard working man who taught us so much by his actions and love for his garden, and of course, his family! The Casey family have so many memories of growing up together on North Street and we know how much you will miss his presence in your lives. Love, prayers and deepest sympathies. - The Casey Clan "
"My deepest condolences to Maria, Joanna, Phil, Joe & their families. I have countless fond memories of John while growing up with and next door to the Provenzano?s. He was a good man and a very hard worker. His garden was amazing, he was a perfectionist creating a beautiful slice of Italy, right in their own back yard. I can still see the pear & cherry trees, the countless vegetables & the delicious grapes grown right on the vines, always there for a quick snack during the hot summers. Time goes by so very quickly but memories last a lifetime. May your memories of your husband, father, grandfather comfort you always. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all throughout this difficult time. Much love to all, Kevin Robertson"