It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that the family of Antonio (Tony) Palermo announce his passing on August 5, 2017 at the age of 92. His loving family was by his side throughout the last few weeks of his journey, just as they were throughout his life.
Tony was born on May 15, 1925 in Macchiagodena, Molise, Italy. It was in Santa Maria Del Molise, Italy, where he met and married the love of his life, Maddalena Taddeo, on February 9, 1945. Together, they raised five loving daughters—Rosina, Maria, Rose, Nikki and Anita—and shared the next 72 years wholly in love. After several years of working in Australia, Tony immigrated to Canada in May of 1964.
A man who would put most to shame with his work ethic, Tony worked two jobs, the Great Lakes Paper Mill during the day, and Lakehead Freightway during the evening. Despite the tireless work, he worked always with a smile, knowing his contributions to the betterment of his family. He retired from the Great Lakes Paper Mill in July 1990, after 25 years of employment.
His pride and joy was his family, particularly his grandchildren, and most recently, great-grandchildren. He loved family get-togethers, where he could share stories and laughs with his family and friends around the table. He was a true scholar—he loved learning and teaching those around him, and he instilled the value of life-long learning into each of his grandchildren. In his spare time, his creativity was born of his love for nature: he gardened, made wine, and weaved beautiful baskets from vines.
Tony had an infectious personality, always lighting up any room he entered, and making many friends along the way. He was a longstanding member of the Da Vinci Centre and also of St. Elizabeth Parish, where he strengthened his faith.
Tony is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Maddalena, daughters Mary Paoliello (Felice) of Italy, Rose Bertone (Michael), Nikki Del Paggio (Domenic), and Anita Del Paggio (Gino). He will be missed dearly by his adoring grandchildren Pino, Tony, Joey (Jordan), Tricia (Jonathon), Anthony, Jamie (Laura), Daniel, and his great-grandchildren Isabella Gilham and Leonardo Del Paggio. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives in Thunder Bay, Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie, Australia, and Italy.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved the incredible man he was. He is predeceased by his daughter Rosina at the early age of 8; parents, Leonardo and Rosa; brother Nicola; sister Pia and brother-in-law Giuseppe; sister-in-law Laura and brother-in-law Antonio; sister-in-law Antonietta and brother-in-law Antonio.
The family would like to thank the excellent staff at The North West LHIN and the incredible staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor. The care you provided to Tony over these last months at Hogarth was exceptional because of your constant support and compassion. Your kindness is greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2017, when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass at 11:00am, at St. Elizabeth's Church 766 Sprague Street celebrated by Rev. Rey Ronquillo. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the mass at St. Elizabeth’s Church. In friends so desire, an “In memoriam donation” may be made to The Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay.
