Obituary of Aristide Balletto

Balletto Aristide, Aristide (Resse) peacefully completed his journey in this world on January 8,2015. He was surrounded by the family he nurtured and loved so much all his life. Resse was a proud Furlan having been born in the north eastern Italian province of Pordenone. He was one of seven brothers raised by a strong matriarch in difficult times. He served his country in World War II and survived many near death experiences on the fronts in Russia, Siberia and Greece. Most of his colleagues perished in those encounters and Resse always considered that he was extremely fortunate to have survived, believing strongly that war was a senseless, violent state to be avoided at all costs. He immigrated to Canada in 1950 to build a better life in a much different world in London, Ontario for his wife, Maria and daughter, Nuccia who followed him in 1952. Resse worked hard all his life to provide for his family. His greatest joy came from building and growing his home and his family. A second daughter, Nives was born in 1957. He was a self-taught master of all facets of construction and design who continued to build and engineer solutions to all manner of challenging projects during his whole life not only in his own home but in the homes and cottages of his daughters. He derived great joy from creating things with his hands that would please his family or solve a problem or better the function, look or feel of any object, structure or automobile! He lived his life simply, valuing discipline, order, cleanliness and hard work with the love of his family always as his first priority. His home was his sanctuary and his refuge. He was proud of his career at Kellogg’s Canada where he was often called upon at all hours to fix vexing mechanical problems that threatened the printing machinery in the local plant. He possessed a native mechanical intelligence that amazed many. He loved new projects and moved seamlessly from one to the next exhibiting his creativity at every turn. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Maria (1998) whom he cared for during her illness with the same diligent devotion he exhibited in all he did. He is survived by two daughters, Nuccia (Patrick) McGrath and Nives Malara, his “girls” of whom he was so proud. They in turn honour and appreciate all he and Maria sacrificed in the interest of making a better life in Canada. Education was always of the highest importance for Resse and Maria and the life they built in Canada afforded this possibility to both their daughters. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Carla (Steve Goodman) and Ryan McGrath both of whom he was even more proud. The presence of his new great - granddaughter, Sabrina Emilia brought him so much joy and comfort in his final months. Special thanks to all the compassionate and loving care givers at McGarrell Place, London especially to Chris and Bonnie who shared a special bond with Resse. Rest peacefully now Resse, in the hands of the Creator after a life well-lived, leaving behind a grateful family that will always love, respect and honour you. Visitation will be at Donohue Funeral Home on Tuesday January 13 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral mass at St Peters Basilica on Wednesday January 14 at 10 am followed by interment at St Peters Cemetery. If you so choose donations can be made to McGarrell Place Donation Fund c/o McGarrell Place, 355 Mcgarrell Drive, London or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.