John Piovesan
elevated dleDG September 4, 1935 – December 1, 2021
elevated dleDG A journey that started in France over 86 years ago, that witnessed the tragedies of WWII Italy, traversed the boom and fall of 1960s Beirut, and that eventually found family joy in suburban Toronto ended peacefully on Dec 1.
elevated dleDG Giovanni Piovesan was a writer and a teacher, but above all he was a husband, a father and a nonno. He has moved on from this world and now his great soul is free and is in the presence of God. Giovanni was a larger-than-life common man. From his home, he found ways to reach out with his great thoughts to touch the lives of many. His life’s work lives on in the countless students he taught during his over 30 years as a teacher at Brebeuf High School and St. Elizabeth. He taught French, Italian, Latin, Classical Civilization and World Religions as well as devoting extra time to coach soccer and help produce school performances.
elevated dleDG In each of these students from across those three decades, there is some knowledge and passion that was inspired by Giovanni. His life’s experiences are variably told with great humor and great empathy in the two books he wrote, The Other Side of War and What A Retirement. In addition, he wrote often on philosophy and religion, sharing his works with those around him. He loved life and life deeply loved him. He was the most popular guy in the neighborhood, his grandkids would scream “Nonno!” and run to him, and there is no way to count how many times he would be in public and a student would greet him with a “Hi, Sir!”
elevated dleDG As far as he wandered, his home was always with his family. An overwhelming present force, he was always there. And now that he isn’t, the gap is enormous. Giovanni is survived by Aida, his wife of 50 years, his three children Ron, Christina and Carole, his seven grandchildren, and his large extended family.
elevated dleDG “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” 2 Timothy 4:7
elevated dleDG In lieu of flowers, and for those who wish to, contributions may be made to the following organizations in John’s memory –
elevated dleDG Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Parish – https://www.olqw.com/donation
elevated dleDG Cancer Society of Canada – Prostate Cancer – https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I am writing these few lines…
John was a tremendous help and support when I joined the Brebeuf College School staff community in 1981. His sense of humour and his philosophy of life and empathy made my journey at Brebeuf and in teaching in general a very enjoyable endeavour.
He remained my mentor during the years I was teaching at Brebeuf. Also, he was my linguistic mentor as we were able to entertain interesting conversations in four languages. He generously shared his knowledge and world view on many subjects, always interspersed with an irresistible sense of humour that made one feel at home in any situation.
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories that remain. John and his warm friendship will never be forgotten.
Although words fail to express my deep sorrow for your loss, please know that John, you, and your family remain all in my prayers and in my thoughts. My deepest condolences.
Thanks John. Dad loved working with you and all the other teachers at Brebeuf. I recognize your name because he would mention you often when he talked of his time there. He really enjoyed working with you. Thank you for being a part of his life.
Mr.Piovesan was a remarkable teacher who left an indelible impression on me. My love for languages especially Latin and Ancient Greek is largely due to the passion I had the joy of witnessing in every class he taught. He was truly larger than life. I still find myself doing my declension drills just as I learned them from him. God bless him richly throughout eternity for his Labour of love.
My condolences to the Piovesan family for your loss!
I had the pleasure of working with John at St.Elizabeth in the Moderns Department !
He will be missed !
Thank you for the kind words, Rose. Dad really loved St Elizabeth and the whole community of teachers and students. His time at St Elizabeth was a special one indeed.
On behalf of the Brebeuf Alumni Association I wish to extend our condolences to the Piovesan family. John was a much admired teacher during his years at Brebeuf, patiently explaining the mysteries of Latin to many young students while enthusiastically coaching soccer for many years. He will be fondly remembered by many Brebeufians.
Frank MacGrath, Chairman, Brebeuf Alumni Association
I am so sad to hear of the news of John’s passing. I worked with John at St. Elizabeth in the Moderns Department. We became friends and had many laughs together. He told me about his family, his grand kids and about the books and scripts he was writing. He was so proud of his son and daughters and often shared the exciting things they were doing in their lives. Such an inspiring man with a zest for life and endless creative spirit when it came to his writing. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the Piovesan family. The world will miss you John 💓. Rest in peace.
Thank you Laura! Dad so loved St. Elizabeth and he would talk of you all to us as much as he would speak of his family to you. The St. Elizabeth community was very much part of his zest for life. Thank you for welcoming him into your school community
Frank, thank you so much for the kind words and thoughts. Dad loved Brebeuf. It has been so wonderful to hear from so many of his former students. Your words and the words of other students have given us great comfort.
My condolences to the Piovesan family,
I had Mr. Piovesan as a Religion and Latin teacher when I was a student at Brebeuf. I also had the pleasure of helping him coach the bantam volleyball when I was in Grade 13. He was always a supportive and passionate coach, and I often had to calm him down as he passionately ‘cheered’ from the bench.
I was able to touch base with him again many years later when I was a teacher and his wife was supplying one day at our elementary school. I noticed the last name, inquired if she was related to a former Brebeuf high school teacher, and the next day Mr. Piovesan paid me a visit at my school! It was great catching up.
He certainly embodied the school’s motto, Studio Gradum Faciant!
Ron, Kristy and the Piovesan Family,
Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. We know your Dad was a kind man and a role model to all. We know how much you will miss him.
Our deepest sympathies
Thanks Kerry and Steve. We have so appreciated hearing from everyone. Your words of support are helping us through this difficult time. I hope we can see you over the holidays
I am so deeply saddened to hear of my cousin Giovanni’s passing. I fondly remember our childhood in Badoere upon his return from France. I saw zia Elvira in Peru when she visited in the 70s and now that I live in the US wish we could reconnect. Sending you all our deepest sympathy and our prayers.
Dear Wilma,
We would love to connect with you to hear more about our dad in Badoere. Please reach out at Piovesan.carole@gmail.com