John "Giovanni" Corso

Obituary of John "Giovanni" Corso

A resident of Chatham, John (Giovanni) Corso  passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance - Chatham Campus on October 15, 2025 at the age of 82. 

Born in Castelvetere sul Calore, Italy,  John was the son of Gerardo and Rosa (nee Sullo) Corso. 

Beloved husband of  59  years to Helen Gayle (nee Oulds) Corso.

Survived by sons John (Heather), Jason (Trisha) and Jeremy (Tamara).  Grandchildren Connor (Ally), Jack, Alexander, Lucas, Jakob, Charlotte, Mattea and Ari. Sister-in-law Nadia Corso (the late Mario Corso), Brother-in-law Jim McLagan (the late Marilyn McLagan).  Also remembered by many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

John immigrated to Canada in 1956 at the age of 14 with his parents and brother.  During this time he met the love of his life, Gayle, who gave him his 3 beautiful sons and created a warm and significant family that gave him immense pride.  John spent the majority of his working career as a contractor, building and renovating homes along with many woodworking projects.  In his spare time he loved to garden and being outdoors, enjoying creation.  Along with his many talents, one of his great accomplishments were his cooking skills.  His cooking skills extended to the Caring Kitchen at St. Ursula's Church, dinners for migrant workers at St. Joseph's Church and the former Italian Canadian Social Club.  But his greatest joy with his cooking skills was entertaining and feeding his family. 

John loved traveling especially to his home in Florida and numerous trips abroad.  If you ever wanted to see a smile on John's face it would be when visiting with his grandchildren who he adored. 
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors of the PCU at CKHA for their special care.

Friends will be received at the funeral home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Knights of Columbus service at 3:00 p.m.   Funeral Mass to be held at St. Ursula's Parish, 205 Tweedsmuir Ave. W., Chatham on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  Emtombment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Donations made in memory of John to the Chatham Kent Hospice or Charity of Choice would be appreciated by the family. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040
 

Sunday
19
October

Visitation

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 19, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home - Chatham
459 St. Clair Street
Chatham, Ontario, Canada
Sunday
19
October

Knights of Columbus Service

3:00 pm - 3:20 pm
Sunday, October 19, 2025
McKinlay Funeral Home - Chatham
459 St. Clair Street
Chatham, Ontario, Canada
Monday
20
October

Funeral Mass

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Monday, October 20, 2025
St. Ursula Catholic Church
205 Tweedsmuir Ave. W.
Chatham, Ontario, Canada
Monday
20
October

Entombment

12:15 pm - 12:30 pm
Monday, October 20, 2025
Maple Leaf Mausoleum
75 Maple Leaf Drive
Chatham, Ontario, Canada
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John "Giovanni"