Obituary of Fr. Joseph Bagatto

FATHER JOSEPH BAGATTO"Come good and faithful servant! Share the joy of your Lord"Fr. Joseph Bagatto was called by our Lord on Sunday May 7, 2017. Born in San Daniele del Friuli, Italy on Nov. 21, 1932, Fr. Joe arrived in Windsor on March 15, 1950 with his mother Elena [2007] together with his sister Adeline Vadori and his two brothers Frank and Nereo. His father Pietro Bagatto [1996] arrived a year earlier so that he could find employment and prepare a home for his family.Fr. Joe was a priest of the people, reaching out to everyone with his outrageous sense of humour and down to earth approach. After learning the english language, he entered St Peters Seminary, London in 1952 and ordained a priest in 1959. During his 50 years in the priesthood, he served the faithful at Sacred Heart, Ingersoll, St Maria Goretti and St Mary s London, followed by St Agnes, Chatham. At St Michael"s in Ridgetown with a summer church at Rondeau Park, he was able to go duck hunting after mass, so he always had his shotguns close to him. He was then assigned to St. Rose, Windsor followed by Mt. Cannel, north of London. His last parish was Our Lady of Joyful Fatima, Windsor. Fr. Joe was a founding member of Fogolar Furlan Club & Chaplain of Alpini Association and the Knights of Columbus.A priest forever, he would often say that the nursing home was his last parish. He knew many of the staff and residents by name and would call one staff member Jesus because he was similar in appearance. They all knew the Padre and the staff at Extendicare Tecumseh and Dr. Ian McLeod who are to be admired for their dedication and care provided.Fr. Joe will be greatly missed by many especially his sister and brothers, sisters in law Gail and Judith Bagatto, brother in law Frank Vadori nieces and nephews, Paul, Debbie and Rob, Brian and Jodi, Marlene and Dean, Adam and Eva, Joseph, and Amy and Josh. as well as grand nieces and nephews, Andrew, Jacob, Lexxi, Simon, and Molly. Fr. Joe particularly valued the lifelong friendship of Mons. George Bourguignon of Thunder Bay. Visitation will be held at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Banwell Chapel) 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E. 519-253-7234 on Tuesday May 9, 2017 from 2-5 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. On Tuesday there will be 3rd degree prayers lead by Nicholas Point Council #4375 along with the 4th degree Knights of Columbus at 7:30pm followed by Parish Prayers at 8:00pm. Visitation will continue on Wednesday May 10, 2017 at Most Precious Blood Church (1947 Meldrum Road) from 9:30am until time of funeral mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am. Interment to follow at Windsor Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Bernard School "Nourishment Program. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.windsorchapel.com