Rosario De Palma

Born on Oct. 27, 1932, in Pago Veiano in the province of Benevento, Italy, Rosario was predeceased by his loving wife and our mother, Diodorina (nee Costanzo), in 2021. They were married for almost 65 years.

Rosario was the last surviving child born to Raffaella and Francesco De Palma. He was also predeceased by brothers Domenico, Cosimo, Donato, and Rosario, and sisters Irma, Rosa, and Irma.

He is survived by son Francesco (Maryanne) of Bedford, N.S., daughters Raffaela (Shawn) McCowell of Stoney Creek, and Angela (Gus) Brikaris of Mississauga, eleven grandchildren, Jessica, Kristen, Daniel, Laura, Sara, James, Anthony, Liam, Nick, Dean and Claire, and five great-grandchildren Arbor, Jonas, Charlotte, Daisy, and Eliza and many nieces and nephews in Canada, Italy and Australia.

Rosario arrived in Canada on Christmas Day in 1956 with a Grade 3 education and $20 in his pocket. He became a valued and long-time employee of Allan Candy Company in Hamilton, retiring after more than 40 years.

He was a man of many talents and could fix just about anything. He had a passion for wine-making, cooking, producing homemade sausage, and tending his cherished backyard vegetable garden, whose annual bounty he proudly shared with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Rosario was most content when surrounded by family at the dinner table, sharing his homemade wine, delicious meals, and detailed stories from the past. He was a gracious, thoughtful, and patient man who loved his family and regularly brought smiles to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He leaves a large hole in our hearts. His loss is slightly softened by knowing he will be reunited with his dear Dorina.

There will be a visitation and celebration of Rosario’s life on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 11-1 p.m. at Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Ave. E in Hamilton, with a Funeral Liturgy to follow. Private Family Entombment to follow.

Rosario’s family welcomes you to donate to a charity of your choice, and, as Rosario regularly counseled his entire family, take life “slowly” and “take care of each other.”

Online condolences can be left at cresmountfennellchapel.com