Aldo J. Ongaro

Aldo J. Ongaro 

Aldo Ongaro, age 93, passed away peacefully with his loving wife, Carolann, by his side on January 19, 2024. 

Aldo’s parents were John Ongaro and Maria (Franchina) Ongaro who were born in and immigrated from Gandino, Bergamo, in Italy.  He was born in Hibbing and lived in Carson Lake Location as a youngster.  He served with the U.S. Army in a landing craft battalion during the Korean War. 

 Aldo graduated from Hibbing High School in 1949 where he met his future wife, Carolann Sabbatini.  They were married on August 9, 1952 at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Hibbing.  Aldo spent several years working in local mines, but the job he enjoyed the most was being custodian at Hibbing High School.  His happiest years were spent with the family at the cabin on Perch Lake. 

He was a quiet, patient, and gentle man.  Never boastful, always kind, practical in every manner.  Aldo/Buppa/Gramps was a guiding beacon in the art of consideration, hard work and virtue.  Prioritizing family over ego, wealth and materialism; he found joy in countless simple pleasures.  His legacy is manifest in the enviable life he lived; filled to the brim with love, laughter, respect, and a family he was abundantly proud of.  His gentle but deep laugh, sound advice and good humor will forever endure in our hearts and minds; as will his luminous spirit and generous wisdom.  Let’s not forget his LOVE of food and his excellent culinary skills! 

Aldo is survived by his wife, Carolann; sons, Anthony, of Minneapolis and John (Mary Finnegan) of Duluth; daughters, Mary Ann (Don) Galloway of Duluth; and Sandy (Bill) Glad of Hibbing.  He leaves 8 beloved grandchildren and 4 step grandsons:  Patrick and Michael Ongaro of Minneapolis; Rebecca (Eric) Holmstrom of Duluth; Christina (Brian) Mooney of Santa Rosa, CA; Rich (Sheila) Anderson of Woodbury, MN; Daniel (Michelle) Ongaro of Minneapolis; Kristy Klinck (John Crowe) of Bishop, GA; Jenna Klinck (Brian Thron) of Prior Lake, MN; Nicole (Mark) Kosmalski of Mahtomedi, MN; Gary (Tina) Glad of Hibbing; Tim (Jen) Glad of Hibbing; and Derek Glad of Gaylord, MN.  His deeply loved great-grandchildren are Anya and Andrew Holmstrom of Duluth; Dylan and Liana Mooney of Santa Rosa, CA; Brynley Kosmalski of Mahtomedi, MN; Adalyn Thron of Prior Lake, MN; and several step great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 infant siblings in Italy, a sister, Louise (James) Green of Hibbing, and a brother, Frank (Kay Milosevic) Ongaro of Hibbing.  His favorite pet, Ginger, will be waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge. 

The family would like to thank Cornerstone Villa in Buhl, Heritage Manor in Chisholm and Fairview Hospice for their compassionate care for Aldo’s last few months. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing. Father Bill Skarich will officiate. Visitation at 12:00 noon until the service at 1:00 p.m. 

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.