It is with profound sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of our dear father, grandfather, uncle and brother, Mr. Antonio “Tony” Zappitelli at the age of 89. Tony was born in Santa Maria Del Molise, Italy, on March 20th, 1928. In 1952, he married his loving wife of 59 years, Carmella.
In 1954, Tony made the decision to better his family’s life by immigrating to Canada. He settled in the small community of Ignace, ON where he began his career with CP Rail. In 1960, the family moved to Fort William, ON to be closer to other relatives. Tony continued his career with CP Rail until his retirement as an Assistant Road Master in 1986. He was a dedicated employee with a strong work ethic. He maintained many long lasting friendships with his former co-workers.
Tony was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He took great pride in watching his family grow and flourish. He enjoyed being in the company of family and friends with good food, wine and conversation. Tony loved to work in his garden alongside his wife and passing his traditions on to his family. Produce from his garden was often shared and enjoyed by family, friends and neighbours.
He kept alive many other traditions including sausage making, wine making and harvesting his garden. In the winter months, Tony would enjoy watching any hockey game or a wrestling match, as well as watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play hockey or encouraging their other activities.
Often, you could find Tony socializing with his many friends in the neighbourhood or at Intercity Mall. He was a devoted Catholic and an active member of St Dominic’s Church and a member of the DaVinci Centre. Tony loved his pilgrimages to St Anne, Quebec and Ignace, trips to Italy and his trips to the casino.
He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his daughter Michele (Domenic) Antenucci, son Jim Zappitelli, grandchildren, Lisa (Frank) Sgambelluri, Mark (Anne) Antenucci, Tony (Laura) Zappitelli, John Antenucci (Tamara) and Michelle (Keith) Ahtila and great grandchildren, Jacob and Samantha, Nathan and Zachary, Marcus and Mason, Leo, Kyle and Sarah. Also surviving are sister Lucy (Mike) Giancola (Winnipeg), brother-in-law and sister-in-law John (Maria) Falcetta, sister-in-law Antonietta Falcetta (Winnipeg), Assunta Pizzi (Niagara Falls), as well as, numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years Carmella, daughter-in-law Rita Zappitelli, great granddaughter Julianna Antenucci, parents Liberato and Michela Zappitelli, brother Nicola Zappitelli, sister Maria Christina Falcetta, mother-in-law and father-in-law Luisa and Donato Falcetta and many brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St Dominic’s Church celebrated by Rev. Maurizio Maifredi c.s.. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Vigil prayers will be offered Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. at St Dominic’s Church. If friends desire, memorials to the Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
