“It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and love to reach your dreams and as hard to keep it going forward successfully through the years.”

Take for instance, Domenico (better known as Domenic) and Nicolina Mascioli. They were born in Italy, moved to Canada, became Canadian citizens, raised a family and since 1971 owned and operated a business in North Bay.

Their success is attributed to their dedication to their family, the City of North Bay and to each other. Domenic and Nicolina met at a young age in elementary school in Italy. They married and built a life together.

Domenic Mascioli – Background

Domenic was born and raised by his mother Domenica in Cocullo, Abruzzo Italy. He attended elementary school and at an early age was required to venture out and start working. He learned different skills growing up and eventually worked in his first trade as a Bricklayer in Rome, Italy. His mother came to Canada first in 1961, to seek new opportunities for her family. Once Domenica settled, she sponsored Domenic to follow her. In January 1964, Domenic with two suitcases in hand arrived by plane in Montreal, Quebec and very soon after came to North Bay.
The winter months left him not much choice for work, so he accepted a job as a Dishwasher and

Laundry worker at the Empire Hotel. When the summer months arrived, he was hired by Heinz Construction as a Bricklayer and remained there for the next five (5) years. Because he loved to work, he continued working at the Empire Hotel in the off season (winter months). Domenic’s English was limited; therefore, he attended school for two (2) terms to learn the English language.

Nicolina Chiocchio – Mascioli Background

Nicolina was born and raised in Cocullo, Abruzzo Italy. She learned as a young girl how to cook, bake, do household chores and became a creative and wonderful seamstress. She also lived in Rome for some time prior to her arrival in Canada. She continued to work as a seamstress throughout her life, sewing all her own and families’ clothes and eventually extended the service to other people. In later years, she continued her role as a wife, mother, seamstress and support to her future husband with their business.

Domenic and Nicolina Mascioli – “Their Story”

Nicolina and Domenic were married on January 29, 1961 in Italy. Soon after the wedding, it was time for Domenic to make his way to Canada to prepare for a better life for him and his new wife. Their first child “Tiziana” was born in that same year, and Nicolina knew she had to be strong with her newborn and wait patiently in Italy for Domenic. The call finally came from her husband that it was time to pack. On October 2,1964, Nicolina and Tiziana arrived in North Bay, Ontario Canada to join Domenic.

Domenic & Nicolina’s Family Business:

Once settled in North Bay, Domenic and Nicolina renovated their first older home located at 136 First Ave E in North Bay. Two more children came along; “Viviana” born in 1966 and “Mauro” in 1971. The first few years in North Bay were a bit discouraging for them, as they were accustomed to the warmer climate in Italy, being able to purchase the kinds of meat and cheeses that were not as readily available here, and getting used to new types of food and customs in a new country. However, they strived together to make it work for themselves and integrated and mingled in the community and with the passage of time, it got better.

Following Domenic’s employment with Heinz Construction, he started a small business in Bricklaying & Masonry in 1971. A new chapter began and together with Nicolina they named it “DOMA Construction”. Domenic was energetic and created jobs for a dozen men and accepted contracts with the area school boards, Canadore College, hospitals, businesses, and wherever there was a call for Masonry work. He built their second home on Mulligan Avenue in West Ferris.

Nicolina became involved in the business and helped Domenic by retaining and filing business records, telephone calls, as well as continued working as a seamstress and raising their family. Nicolina had to care for her family home as well as help in the business and managed to always stay on top of things.

Through the years their business grew, and they hired more people, renovated, repaired older houses, churches, schools, hospitals and built new homes, and buildings in the area including Canadore College. In 2010, they built their current home on Airport Hill where they reside today.

Outside Interest & Connections – Family, Relatives & Friends:

In 1967, Domenic became a member of The Davedi Club and his relationship with the Italian community grew. He served on the Board for many years as a Building Director, Vice President, President for 2 terms, & Past President. His volunteerism included renovations to the building, working on cultural events such as Grape Stomping Festival, Davedi Carnevale, Wine Tasting, New Years’ Eve Dinner/Dance, making sausages, porchetta & other foods, assisting and supporting the Ladies Auxiliary etc. His 58 years of membership & service led him to being an Honorary Member.

In 1993, Nicolina joined the Ladies Auxiliary of the Davedi. She was very involved in the auxiliary volunteering her time, with her many talents including cooking and baking. She assisted with their events: Fashion Shows, Teas, Bake Sales, Bazaars & Penny Sales, Ladies’ Spaghetti Supper, etc.

To help save money for the Davedi, Domenic & Nicolina purchased groceries for the monthly Ladies Spaghetti Suppers and Mamma Davedi for 10 years. They were instrumental in creating “Mamma Davedi” with “Hub and Lena Fedeli”. In the early 2000’s, the two couples travelled and visited other Italian clubs, to get ideas on how they could create something similar in the Davedi Club. It was successful. Mamma Davedi is still going!

Domenic and Nicolina joined the Pro Cathedral of the Assumption 51 years ago and with their three children attended weekly. They got involved with the church community such as The Men’s Club, CWL and many fundraising projects at the church.

They have close family relatives and friends in North Bay and continue to stay connected with them.
Today, in addition to their children and their spouses, they have 7 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Family dinners and celebrations are important to them, and they continue to host, prepare and cook in their home highlighting their homemade pasta and lasagnas. Although they still operate a small portion of their business from home, retirement means enjoying more relaxation and quality time together. Their door is always opened to share their Italian heritage!

Through the years, they have been a remarkable couple, and like many immigrants had their struggles and disappointments. They always maintained family first and through it all, they worked together to build their business and to raise a family who in turn are following in their footsteps. They are proud of their Italian Abruzzo heritage, grateful for moving to North Bay and appreciate Canada for accepting them.

Their determination to build a family life and fulfill their goals makes them a great example to the community of North Bay.

Submitted by Louise Defonzo on behalf of the Mascioli Family