Emmanuele Briscese

Emmanuele Briscese

It is with profound sadness that the family of Emmanuele Briscese announces his passing on August 5, 2022 at the age of 82. He passed peacefully at his residence surrounded by love and family.  

Emmanuele will be lovingly remembered by his wife Maria of 54 years, by his children Tonia (Les Campbell), Sergio and Silvio and his grandchildren, Brice and Jenna Campbell.  

Emmanuele is mourned by his siblings, Pietro (Caterina), Mauro (Ana), Giuseppe (Maria) and Tonino (Grazia); sisters-in-law, Loredana Surra and Lina Altamura and his many nieces and nephews. 

Emmanuele was predeceased by his father Alfredo Briscese and his mother Antonia Pace; his brothers Donato and Teodoro; his nephew Giuseppe Briscese; his sisters-in-law, Sylvie Koch and Rosetta Gesmundo; his brothers-in-law, Damiano Barile and Nino Gesmundo. 

Emmanuele was born in Lavello, Italy, on November 5th 1939, to Antonia Pace and Alfredo Briscese. 

In his younger years, Emmanuele took voice lessons as he loved to sing and had a natural talent. He had a strong and beautiful tenor voice which led him to singing competitions. This passion for music carried on after he immigrated to Canada as he sang in the church choir. Some of his favourite songs were “Ave Maria, O Sole Mio” and “Minuit Chrétien”. 

Emmanuele immigrated to Canada in April of 1967. He then returned to Italy to marry his beloved Maria. Together, Emmanuele and Maria came back to Canada the following year and settled in Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes where they raised their family. During his life in Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, Emmanuele made lifelong friends who became like family.  

Emmanuele worked for eight years as a mechanic and machinist for Delaquis Motors. He then went into a partnership and had a General Motors dealership for three years, until he sold his share. Then, for several years while establishing his own business, E & M Machine Shop, Emmanuele also worked in Winnipeg. His determination and hard work eventually allowed him the freedom to create, build and to do what he loved on his own terms. Emmanuele’s creativity, work ethic and skill provided a much-needed service, beneficial to a farming community. His reputation preceded him as his workmanship was impeccable and his skills undeniable. In order to call a job complete Emmanuele needed it to be fully functional, flawless and esthetically pleasing. His motto was “Do it right or don’t do it at all!” Emmanuele’s honesty and personal integrity permeated in all areas of his life.   

Above all, Emmanuele was a family man. He was devoted to his family and loved them with his whole being. Family meant everything to him. He very much enjoyed fishing trips, ice cream runs to L & J’s, playing cards and board games and bringing laughter into a room. In his later years, he enjoyed trips to Italy with family and friends and always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren, playing games, conversing, joking around, watching many of their events and cheering them on at sporting activities.  

Dad once told us that as a child he felt like a lion when running barefoot in the fields of Italy. He lived his life in the same way, like a lion, with strength, bravery, resilience and loyalty. Dad touched our hearts and we are very grateful for all that he did for us. We miss him very much but we know that his spirit lives on in all of us. Rest in peace.  

Cher Emmanuele, Papa, Grand-papa, on t’aime beaucoup et tu nous manques énormément. Nous te gardons dans nos coeurs et on ne t’oublieras pas! 

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on …” - Irving Berlin 

The family would like to thank the staff of Boundary Trails and the Santé Sud Palliative Team. A special thank you to Doctor Hamilton for her care and compassion.  

La famille tient à remercier le personnel de Boundary Trails et l’équipe palliative Santé Sud. Un grand merci au Docteur Hamilton pour les soins exceptionnels. Nous avons été très touchés par votre compassion. 

A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 2 pm at Adam’s Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Central Plains Cancer Care or to a charity of choice. 

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 204-248-2201. To leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emmanuele Briscese, please visit our floral store.