Gelsomino “Jim” Mastronardi
March 3, 1932- May 3, 2019
It is with unbelievable shock and tremendous sadness that we, the family of Gelsomino “Jim” Mastronardi, announce his unexpected passing on May 3, 2019 at the age of 87 years old from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (a broken heart). Gelsomino’s wife, the love of his life, Gelsomina had passed away just 8 days earlier on April 25. While our hearts are heavy by a loss so great, our comfort and strength comes from the belief that they are united in heaven. Gelsomino and Gelsomina would have celebrated 68 years of marriage on May 24.
Gelsomino “Jim” will be greatly missed by his children; Quirino (Julie) Frank (Carrie) Annette (Paul); grandchildren, Katrina (Joshua), Kade (Lisa), Adam, Medena, Kyla, Daenen; great-grandchildren, Harris, Sophia, Elle and Philip and his brother Antonio (Giuseppina), nieces, nephews, countless family and many treasured friends from all over the world. Gelsomino was predeceased by his parents Quirino and Gioconda and by his infant son at birth.
Gelsomino “Jim” was born on March 3, 1932 in Villa Canale, Italy. On May 24, 1951 Gelsomino married Gelsomina and they had 2 children who were born in Italy, Quirino and Franco. In 1957, they moved their family to Canada to make a better life for themselves and then later, were blessed with the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Annette.
Over the years, Gelsomino worked a variety of jobs including construction, being a server at the Sand’s hotel, the Beverly Crest Hotel, Hotel MacDonald and at a variety of schools in the Edmonton area as a Head Custodian for the Edmonton Catholic School Board. He loved working for the ECSB. Gelsomino happily and proudly announced his retirement in December 1990. Gelsomino will be fondly remembered for the love he had for his family. He will also be remembered for his love of hunting and fishing but more importantly for his passion of playing music on his beloved accordion and singing songs. He was also an incredible gardener. He had a green thumb for gardening like no other. Many people would call upon him for gardening advice and he would prune fruit trees all over the city. People who would see his garden would be in awe of not only the beauty of his garden but as well as the prosperity of it. His homemade wine was renowned in the Italian community. Gelsomino seemed to know everyone, could converse socially in many different languages, loved to share stories and have a good laugh. We have lost this amazing man but he will never be forgotten.
Public Visitation
Wednesday, May 8, 2019 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Trinity Funeral Home
10530 116 Street, Edmonton Alberta
Mass of Christian Burial & Public Viewing
Public Viewing 9:00 AM at Church
Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 9:30 a.m
Santa Maria Goretti Church
9110 – 110 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta.
Entombment
Thursday, May 9, 2019, following Mass
Holy Cross Mausoleum.
14611 Mark Messier Trail, Edmonton, Alberta
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Gelsomino’s honour may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to our extended family and friends who supported us along this journey and to his physicians, Dr Khaled Hajar, Dr Robert Turner and Dr Neil Chua for their amazing care as well as Dr Boyd Edgecumbe, nurse Kirsten and paramedic Chelsea for being so compassionate and kind to Gelsomino on his last day with us. Thank you.
It was sad to read that Jim has also died.
I met both Jim and his wife at the Cross Cancer Institute a number of years. During my 24 years as a volunteer, I have met many wonderful
patients and supporters: Jim and his wife were special.
They approached me as I sat behind a desk.
It was evident to me that they enjoyed life and each other.
As a couple, they oozed love for each other. I can understand why Jim died from a heart. May God rest their souls and send His Spirit upon their family.
P.S. My wife and I very much enjoyed the wine they brought to me just before this past Christmas.
Eugene Malo
Dear Mastronardi family, our deepest condolences to all of you. May your cherished memories bring you comfort at this very difficult time. Our parents friendship will meet again. Sincere sympathy
I was a teacher at St. Dominic School where Jim was a custodian. He was a hard worker and a wonderful man. I have many fond memories of him at work and running into him at Londonderry Mall. I visited him one summer checking out his tomato plants and fruit trees. Please except my condolences on his passing as he will be missed by those of us who worked with and knew him.
To the Mastronardi family,
We are saddened by the loss of your parents and grandparents. We send you all our deepest sympathy. Sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to the Mastronardi family on your recent tragic loss.
Annette and family,
We are so sorry, and saddened to hear about the passing of your wonderful parents. They were such a lovely couple and they were always happy to see my dad. The first time I met your dad, he was happy to tell me his name in Italian is a type flower, Jasmine. Remember them always.
We are so sorry for the loss of your parents and grandparents. Please accept our deepest condolences.
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of both your parents and wish to extend our deepest condolences to all the family. God bless. Vincenzo and Caterina Soria and family
Please accept condolences on behalf of the Francescut Family. They both will be in our prayers and may the knowledge that they are together in the Garden of Heaven ease the pain and sorrow you feel.
To: Frank & Carrie & Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept our sincere condolences of the loss of your parents & grandparents. May the love & memories you all shared through the years provide you with comfort. Sending you all love & hugs.
Glen, Sherry & Shayla McTavish
Carrie and family…
Sorry to hear of your loss.
I hope you hold great memories at this time.
Frank,Carrie and Family.
My heart is broken to hear the news that you have lost two wonderful souls. They are together again in peace.
My condolences for the loss of your parents. May the memories and laughter get you all through these tough times.
Annette and your families, our condolences to you all in the loss of your parents. It was shocking sad to read the sudden passing of you father Jim.
We wish to give our condolences to the Mastronardi family. Your father was the custodian at St. Clare when my family attended school there. We always remember has a very friendly caring person. Although that was a long time ago we all still remember him. We I was in my first year of teaching and was sent to St. Gerard school I was delighted to find he was working there. He welcomed me into the school and helped me with anything I needed. IN 2015 when my father passed away your father was so kind to attend the funeral and to visit with all of us. He will be remembered as a very kind and loving person.
Maureen Hutchinson (Kovacs) and the Kovacs family.