Obituary of Mario Lavoratore

LAVORATORE, Mario – Peacefully with his family by his side, Mario Lavoratore died at Bluewater Health, Palliative Care, on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at the age of 72. Beloved husband of Karen of 47 years. Loving father of Lisa McGuire & her husband Ian, Windsor, Patrick Lavoratore, Fort McMurray and Patricia Sullivan, Sarnia. Cherished grandpa of Keifer & Chelsea McGuire, Connor Lavoratore and Joseph & Sophia Sullivan. Dear brother of the late Umbertos (Josephine), late Gino (Josephine), John (Teresa), Bruno (Rosemary), the late Giuliano and Adriana. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Pasquale & Esterina. Mario Lavoratore was born in Rovito Cosenza Italy and was one of nine children born to Pasquale and Esterina. While in Italy he began his career in carpentry and bridge building. In 1970 he left his home and boarded the Michael Angelo which set sail for New York City and a new life. After arriving in America it was soon afterward he continued on his journey and made his final stop in Sarnia Ontario where he rejoined friends and relatives making new lives for themselves in this close knit community. On December 5th 1971 he met his lifelong bride Karen Buntain at A&W. They were married August 19th 1972 and his family grew again with Lisa, Patrick and Patricia. He was an entrepreneur and continued in his trade of bridge building where he said one of his proudest accomplishments was working on the Blue Water Bridge. He always loved bridges because "They connect people together and that was a beautiful thing". Mario was kind hearted and generous. He loved to hunt, fish, garden, cook and paint. He was creative and innovative but people were always his passion especially his grandchildren to which he was deeply devoted. Their Grandpa will always hold a special place in their hearts. He loved a full table with lots of good food and wine. Visitation will be held at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia, on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral service will be held immediately following visitation in the McKenzie & Blundy Chapel at 1 p.m. Cremation will follow. As an expression of sympathy friends who wish may send memorial donations to charity of choice. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com