Sergio (Sarge) Prelazzi
March 25, 2025
In Loving Memory of Sergio (Sarge) Prelazzi
March 25, 2025 | Age 93 | London, Ontario
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sergio (Sarge) Prelazzi on March 25, 2025, in London, Ontario, at the age of 93.
Sergio was born in Abrega di Parenzo, Istria, Italy (now part of Croatia), to Anton and Maria Prelazzi (both predeceased). In 1950, he courageously escaped communist Yugoslavia in a small fisherman’s skiff with five other men rowing the Adriatic toward Venice for 13 hours before being picked up by an Italian fishing boat. He immigrated to Canada in 1951 on the Miss Nelly arriving in Halifax Harbour Pier 21. He spent his early years in Canada travelling around Ontario from job to job seeking a place to call home. After working in Woodstock and Sarnia, he settled in Sudbury in 1952 and dedicated 39 years to INCO (now Vale), working at Creighton and South Mine and living most of his life in New Sudbury, attending St. Andrew the Apostle Church regularly on Sundays. In 2017, Sergio and Rita moved to London, Ontario, to be closer to family.
Sergio is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 67 years, Rita (née Leblanc). He was a proud and loving father to his sons, Lino (Jennifer Cross) of London and Dean (Amanda, née Baggett) of North Vancouver. Cherished Nonno to Elizabeth Robinson Cross, Sawyer Anton, and Quinn Joy, and adored Bisnonno to Tyler, Talia, and Mason.
He was predeceased by his siblings Antonia Prelac (Umberto Blazevich) of Tar, Croatia, Luciano Prelac (Anna) of Melbourne, Australia, and Dante Prelac (Nuvia) of Sydney, Australia. He is survived by his dear sister Vittoria Nadal (Lino, predeceased) of Novigrad, Croatia.
Sergio will also be deeply missed by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Leo and Theresa Leblanc (both predeceased), Donald (predeceased) and Marlene Leblanc, Louise (predeceased) and Gerry Perfetto, David and Judy Leblanc, and Richard and Maria Leblanc. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews around the world.
Sergio lived a full and meaningful life, devoting his time to family, home, dancing, gardening, reading. In later years, he developed a newfound affection for his tablet, embracing technology with curiosity and joy, especially YouTube videos of classic comedians and sitcoms. He loved to laugh while sneaking cookies and wine from the TV cabinet. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Holy Family Parish Catholic Church, 777 Valetta Drive, London, Ontario. The family will receive guests for a visitation in the church narthex at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. A reception will take place downstairs in the Parish Hall after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sergio’s memory may be made to War Amps (www.waramps.ca) or a charity of your choice.
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My condolences Rita and family. I remember at thirteen when I had my back surgery in Toronto. I don’t know why you and Sarge were in Toronto but you came to see me at the hospital. I was so surprised and so grateful. I was feeling scared and sad but you really cheered me up and I’ll never forget that visit that you took the time to visit me. I wish I could have told Sarge how much it ment to me. Lots of love to you Rita , Lino and Dean. From Tammy Simard
I have so many memories of Sarge that I will treasure for ever. I vividly remember the summer I worked with him building the house on Sparks St. He taught me many valuable lessons about construction but, it was the lesson in family commitment that stayed with me. One day, while we were working on the house, he casually mentioned that he will be making and apartment downstairs to house my parents, his in-laws, when they were no longer able to live independently. Even as a young man those words touched me deeply. Circumstances had forced him to leave his own family behind but, he totally embraced the Leblanc’s completely as his own and his commitment to all of us was relentless. We love you and will miss you! Richard
Rita, Lino, Jennifer, Dean, Amanda and families. Our condolences to you on the passing of Sergio/Mr. P. Sarge's smiling face and laughter is missed today and will be a fond remembrance for our future family gatherings. We remember Sarge looking at the children's table with amusement. He enjoyed a good hearty laugh and it was infectious! We often heard him say "I like this guy" and we would say the same about him! Hoping that your many memories will bring you comfort and peace. Our thoughts are with you all.
Rita, Lino, Dean and families.. my heartfelt condolences on Sarge’s passing. 70 years of wonderful loving friendship makes me family. So very many fun times we’ve had together as couples, our visits back and forth, our vacation time in Arizona. So many memories to look back on, full of laughter too! My visit to Sarge and Rita’s with my daughters Tammy and Kelly (Their God-child) just 5 days before he passed away. What a special blessing that was. Rest In Peace Sarge. ❤️ and 🙏 to you all.
Rita, Lino, and Jennifer: I am praying for you and trust that you are experiencing God peace at comfort. I will always treasure special memories of Sarge. I would meet him when he was going to the Fox Hollow Concierge Desk to pick up a meal for Rita and himself and usually had a nice chat with him. He always seemed so happy, even when, in recent months, I know he was experiencing physical challenges. His infectious smile and obvious contentment with life sent me on my way with a smile too!
Uncle Sergio was a human play ground. My sister and I spent many visits doing “airplanes” with him. He always made us laugh and teased us by pulling our toes. He would even tug on my husband Chris’ ears . I was thankful it was my husband’s turn for uncle Sergio’s “affection”. Uncle is an icon of the Leblanc clan and will always hold a special place in my heart.
A donation has been made to War Amps.
Rita, Lino, Dean and family. So sorry to hear that Sarge has passed. So many fond memories of travelling to Sudbury in winter with our family (crammed into a little VW) to meet family and friends. It was always so special to visit with you guys. I remember it well. Sarge always kidded around with us and he had such a great laugh. He will truly be missed.
To Lino and Jennifer – Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Dad. I’m so sorry. Do know my caring thoughts are with you at this sad time. I think of both of you so often, and wonder how you are. Peace . . . Norma Clare (Riverside)
Our sincerest condolences to “Aunt” Rita, Lino, Dean & Families. Sarge was kind & welcoming. Gave the warmest hugs & always with a smile. He was a charmer but respectful. He loved you X infinity Rita and extended that love to his sons. A fond memory was his surprise birthday party Rita & the boys had for him. A wonderful time that was & seeing the expression on his face when you presented the vehicle was heart warming. We are blessed to have known him. He is at peace in the loving hands of the Lord… surrounded by family & friends and a multitude of Angels. He will continue to watch over you with love & pride in his heart. May the wonderful memories provide some comfort during this difficult time. ♥️
I did not know Sarge well but had a really good feeling of warmth when we met. I would be working at the puzzle late evening in our Amenity room when Sarge would enter sometimes in his PJ’s, give me a smile and we would exchange greetings. He would go to the fridge and check out the Cookies and Muffins and with his discovery would exchange “ Good nights “ and head back home. I was so pleased we could sell Rita the much needed extra hospital bed that Richard and Paul had broken in. Encounters in Sarge and Rita’s home were always welcoming and loving. I will remember and miss Sarge’s sweet disposition always.
Sergio and I would wrestle often when I was a young teenager. One day while going at it in the house, I think on Lourdes, we, him I swear it was him, put his foot through the wall. Not my fault he was the adult. I fondly remember me and Sergio in the boat going up Vermillion river off of the lake, hanging a left to go up Simon Lake creek. Just before getting to the Simon lake entrance we witnessed this beautiful gigantic pike leap out of the water, into the air with its complete body, tip to tale wriggling back and forth in the air seeking a scrumptious dragon fly, just as the motor kicked up when it hit the underwater log. I also am grateful for Sergio introducing me to left over fried spaghettis. Had some tonight, just the way he taught me. I had a nick name I used to call him. Where or how it came about I really don't know. Slopso. I will miss you Slopso.
He was always so welcoming, he loved to tease. We never had a bad visit with Uncle Serges. Both he and Aunt Rita always made us feel so special and loved.
Uncle Serge was one of the many great Aunts and Uncles I was blessed with. I fondly remember his hugs when I was little and the great conversations we'd have at the table in their kitchen when I was older. I'd come up from a great visit with Memere hopped up on delicious Roast and and an entire half of a Butterscotch Pie. If I was lucky, Aunt Rita and Uncle Serge would be home and I'd visit at their table. There may have been a Peanut-butter Ball or 2 to chase down the butterscotch pie. Thank you for the wonderful memories Uncle Serge and Aunt Rita.
I knew sarge for nearly 5 years, and got to know him well. He was such a fun loving man. The first time i met him was at the garbage room emptying our bags of garbage. He chatted away for about 10 minutes, and although his accent was a bit difficult to understand, we became friends. Then I met Rita and I got to know the 2 of them, having many visits at their place. It was plain to see her loved Rita and his family dearly. Sarge and I had lots of joking times together, he would call me his favorite girlfriend! I will miss Sarge. I always looked forward to seeing him whenever I went for a social visit. Rest in peace friend
Uncle Sarge, you will never be forgotten, and neither will your big bear hugs. Lol
Fly with the angels and Dance with the stars. You have achieved so many great things throughout your life and made your impression on so many lives, now its time to look down and appreciate your impact on the world. Rest in Peace Zio tell Dad I say Hi!!
Services for Sergio (Sarge) Prelazzi
Visitation will be held at:
Holy Family Parish Catholic Church
777 Valetta Drive,
London, Ontario
April 22, 2025 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Funeral Mass will be held at:
Holy Family Parish Catholic Church
777 Valetta Drive,
London, Ontario
April 22, 2025 11:00 am
Additional Service information
A reception will take place downstairs in the Parish Hall after the service.
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Several years ago, Rita and Sarge and Rita and I were camping at Fairbanks resort. We were playing cards at the table, and I had to pass some gas... so I got up and went to the stove, and let out a loud fart, and I opened the oven door and said out loud "What did you say?" and then I closed the door. Sarge laughed so hard that he almost fell off of his chair.
~ Roma Simard