Giuseppe Secondo Martin

Giuseppe Secondo Martin passed away on December 27, 2024, in Burnaby at the age of 100. He was born on October 29, 1924, in San Lorenzo di Sedegliano, Udine, Italy.

Giuseppe attended trade school in Italy and worked there for a short time as a machinist. On April 29, 1954, he married Maria Misson also from San Lorenzo. He moved to Canada later that year and Maria joined him in 1955. He and Maria lived in Vancouver’s east side where they raised their three children. He worked as a lathe operator for various companies until he retired in 1989. Giuseppe enjoyed tending their productive garden, making wine, and going for walks, as well as watching programs about nature and history. He and Maria enjoyed travelling, often going on bus tours or re-visiting their favourite places, such as Cuba. They returned to Italy many times, spending summers in San Lorenzo visiting friends and relatives and staying in the house where Giuseppe grew up. Maria passed away in 2013. 

Giuseppe and Maria enjoyed sharing stories about their early years describing many of the high points and challenges of life in their small village. Giuseppe commented that as a young man he never imagined that he would have the life that he came to enjoy in Canada. Hard work and an appreciation of simple things are values that he fostered. 

Giuseppe enjoyed a sound body and mind until very late in his life. He believed in healthy habits and stayed active. He liked to keep up with local and world events and shared his opinions and stories through his last days. 

Giuseppe is survived by his sons Peter (Cindy) and Dino (Cindy), and daughter Cristina (Reg). His grandchildren include Colleen, Jared, Caitlin, Landon, and Tanner. His great-grandchildren include Rylie and Jaxxon.