Obituary of Albert Peter Gris

On Friday November 7th, Albert Gris passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Lydia (Zuccolin), his son John (Schellie Maybee), his daughters Julie (Reuben Riley) and Lora (Dave Neal). He was a proud Nonno to Alex, Asher, Jacob, Julia, Rebecca, and Jack. Albert remains loved by his sisters Rosina (Joe Gos). Lucy (Alex Houston) and his brothers Otto (Anna) and Louie (Lee). He is predeceased by his sister Luciana and brothers Amelio (Vera), Renzo (Laura), Arrigo (Grace) and Franco (Rose). He will also be missed by many other relatives and friends.

He was born in Pozzo di Codroipo, Friuli, Italy on January 1st, 1940 to Adolpho and Caterina Gris. Albert came to Canada at the age of 12 and attended St. Francis of Assisi School and Saltfleet High School. He worked at International Harvester and Westinghouse as well as the City of Burlington before starting his career as a Cartographer and Hydrographer for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Burlington. The highlight of his career was during two expeditions to the Arctic mapping the area while being transported on icebreakers. Once he retired he was able to turn his passion for winemaking into a second career becoming the owner of the Wine and Hop Shoppe in Hamilton. Here he was able to share his love and knowledge of winemaking with many others while winning many local, provincial and national awards including multiple Gold medals for his icewine.

Albert was very involved with the Glanbrook community as a member of the Binbrook Agricultural Society, the Famee Furlane of Hamilton, the Binbrook Optimist Club, and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Glanbrook Youth Soccer Club. He was also a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of the Assumption Church as part of the choir, a Eucharistic Minister and member of various committees. 

Albert’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff at Juravinski and St. Peter’s hospitals. They are especially thankful for the care of Dr. He, Dr. Pogue and Dr. Afram. The family is also grateful for the care provided by his family doctor, Dr Jurianz, his cardiologist, Dr. Leung and his oncologist, the late Dr. Major. 

Albert is resting at the Donald Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek. Visitation is on Thursday, November 13th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. Prayers will be said at 7:30 p.m. Albert’s Funeral Mass is at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 63 Hwy 20 E, Stoney Creek, on Friday November 14th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Juravinski Hospital Foundation and/or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

While Albert had many interests over the course of his life including hunting, fishing, gardening, bird watching, taxidermy, photography, playing/ coaching soccer, bocce, cycling, and wood carving, his greatest joy was his family. He took endless pleasure serenading family members with harmonica or accordion accompaniment sharing his love of music. He has shown all of us how to live a great life with humour, energy and love.

As we say in Furlan, “Mandi” Pops (we leave you in God’s caring hands).