Louis Gino Harpo Macerollo

MACEROLLO, Louis (Harpo) - On January 29th, 1926, Louis (Harpo) Macerollo was born in Villa Santa Marie, Abruzzi, Italy. He immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of 10 and lived almost 70 years on Elizabeth Street where he and his father became well known for their vegetable garden. Staying true to his Italian roots and proud of his Italian heritage he became a founding member of the Italian Canadian Club. Famous for his food he first started cooking for the ICC and then went on to become co-owner of Harpo's Banquet Halls with his two sons, Michael and Joey. Somehow through raising 11 children and working three jobs, Harpo found the time to dance the night away with Dora. He could often be heard telling his grandchildren how they used to "fly" on the dance floor. He loved Las Vegas and was one of the best storytellers ever. Deeply loved and cared for by his children, Louis passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side this past Friday, September 12, 2008. He was the beloved husband of the late Dora M. Macerollo (nee Ritchie) (2002). Loving father of Joe, Lynda and her husband Allan Weeks, Patricia and her husband Peter Darrach, John, Daniel and his wife Tammy (nee Lajoie), Louise and her husband Paul Kelly, Michael and his wife Beverly (nee Self), Judy and her husband Shayne Campbell, Ann and her husband Martin Knowles, Maria and her husband Sean Coleman and Joey. Loved grandfather of Natasha, Nicole, Greg, Mike, Alisha, Ryan, Jason, Jodie, Louis, Nicholas, Peter, Barry, Gabriella, Mikayla and Reaunna. Great-grandfather of Tatiana and Teagan. Dear brother of Vince (Mary) Macerollo and the late Dominic (Julia) Macerollo. Dear brother-in-law of Maureen (Kevin Doyle) and the late Michael Ritchie. Words cannot express what the heart would like to say. In these moments the greatest depths cannot contain the gratitude we feel as a family towards three special doctors, Dr. Chan, Dr. Sommerville and Dr. Spadafora. These men provided a level of care that extended well beyond their borders. It is through their great efforts, kind hearts and desire to help that our father could live such a special life these past few years. To those of you who work at the Guelph General Hospital and cared for our father, your ability to care with your heart in the midst of difficult times provided us with a home away from home. We thank you for your big beautiful hearts and many hours of compassionate care you provided. The family is also indebted to all of the community workers, office and support staff for their tireless efforts in lending a hand and for their support in educating us to care for our father. Resting at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel , 1099 Gordon St., Guelph, on Monday and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A vigil for Louis will be on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. Funeral mass on Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at Church of Our Lady at 10 a.m. Interment at Marymount Cemetery, Guelph. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada would be appreciated by the family (Cards available at the funeral home or condolences at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com)

Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at Church of Our Lady at 10 a.m.