Enrico (Rico) Perin, 95, of Rainycrest Long-Term Care, formerly of 1008 Walker Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away peacefully at his residence on Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25, 2009.
Rico was born Sept. 29, 1914 in Cordenons, Italy to Joe and Angelina Perin. He was the youngest son of a family of seven.
He has one sister, Augusta, 92, surviving in Pordenons, Italy.
He spent nine years in the Italian military. During this time, he received his Red Cross nurses’ training while being posted in France, Sweden, and Germany.
Rico was united in marriage to Dina Martin on Jan. 25, 1941.
On June 29, 1948, he immigrated to Canada and arrived in Fort Frances to join his sister, Emma Del Zotto and family.
Dina arrived in Fort Frances on April 29, 1949 with their two-year-old son, Sergio.
Following his arrival in Fort Frances, Rico worked for Paul Lawrence in the bush cutting pulpwood, and then for Harry Christianson as a carpenter’s helper. Rico then started working at La Verendrye Hospital as an orderly, where he spent the rest of his working career—and enjoyed every minute of it.
They built a home at 1008 Walker Ave., where they resided their entire life.
Rico’s main hobbies were wine-making, fishing, hunting, and gardening.
He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Dina Perin, 80, who passed away Sept. 21, 2001; and their eldest son, Sergio, 58, on Oct. 18, 2002.
He also was predeceased by his sister, Emma Del Zotto.
At Rico’s request, there will be no funeral service.
Cremation will take place, with interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances at a later date for immediate family.
In memoriam donations may be made to Rainycrest Long-Term Care, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3T2.
Fort Frances Times
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