With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Lorenzo, surrounded by the love of his family, at the Sault Area Hospital on Monday, June 9, 2025 at the age of 82. Loved husband of Anna, “Nina” (nee Gallo) for 60 years. Cherished father of Angela DiCerbo, Carmine DiCerbo (Sylvie), Adriano DiCerbo (Genevieve) and Lorenzo DiCerbo Jr. (Jody-Lynn). Proud Nonno of David (Melissa), Cassandra (Matthew), Joshua (Tina), Anthony, Amelia, Marcus, Mateo, and Gabriel. Predeceased by his parents, Carmine and Angela. Brother of the late Gioacchino (Carmelina), late Antonio (Maria), Salvatore (Filomena), Carmela (late Andrea), Mario (Lillina), Carlo (late Anna) and the late Giuseppe (Anna). Brother-in-law of the late Pasquale, late Erminia (late Enrico), late Ida (late Luigi), late Luigi (late Elena) and late Rosalia (late Lodovico). He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and paesani from the countryside of Campania, Italy.
Lorenzo leaves behind a legacy of simple, deep-rooted values that touched the lives of all who knew him. Arriving in Sault Ste. Marie in 1965, he and Nina built a life of abundance from very little. Family was always first. Lorenzo’s devotion to his wife was evident in the way they spent time together, as their love of home and heritage was preserved in their efforts to make cheese, sausage, and wine, as well as in countless jars of pepperoncini and tomato sauce.
Lorenzo encouraged all his children to pursue their education and to be ambitious in their pursuit of personal excellence. Lorenzo had a fascination for world history and an appreciation for music, especially for opera and the songs from his beloved Napoli. Overall, he believed that knowledge was a gift and ensured his family had opportunities he never took for granted.
Lorenzo particularly cherished time with his grandchildren, who will remember Nonno as a hard worker, an eager fisherman, a keen storyteller, an excellent pasta “cucuni” maker, and a master at cartwheels. The backyard on Primrose was where they helped to grow a garden, learned to clean a lake trout, and enjoyed many an ice cream sandwich after school. Lorenzo’s face lit up every time he saw his grandchildren; they were his source of laughter and pride.
Lorenzo spent a lifetime connected to the land. He embraced the outdoors in Northern Ontario, finding joy and solace in early morning ventures into the bush. His fondness for Tilley Lake is infamous. He also enjoyed bird hunting in the fall, foraging for mushrooms, and picking blueberries, among other skills acquired from the farm and the forest, which he passed on to many over many seasons.
Known for his strong work ethic, Lorenzo approached everything he did with determination and sacrifice. Lorenzo was employed at Algoma Steel for over thirty years, retiring in 1999. Whether he was on the job at the ball mill, constructing something in the garage, or offering help to a neighbour, he gave his best without expecting anything in return. He will always be remembered for his generosity, his strong spirit, and his fortitude, which he carried through to his final days.
One last time, Nonno, “iamo cene”, rest knowing you have taught us well. All that you have had, you have given to others.
Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass to be celebrated at St. Gerard Majella Church (211 Pentagon Blvd) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 12:00 noon with Father Alex Saurianthadathil officiating. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial donations to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) or the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff on 3B and 3C and the ICU at the Sault Area Hospital as well as Health Science North in Sudbury for their care and compassion shown to Lorenzo and our family. A sincere thank you to Drs. Mandur and Aversa here in the Sault, and Drs. Sarah McIsaac, Robert Anderson, and Aderaldo Costa Alves Junior, and their nursing staff in Sudbury. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com