Antonio Spada

It is with profound sorrow, the Family of Antonio Spada announces his passing on December 21, 2025.

Antonio was a loving husband, father, nonno and pro-nonno. Antonio passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his loving wife, Serafina; his son Joseph; daughter Angie (Lee); his grandchildren, Oliver (Camille), Sara (Ali), Michael, Justin (Namat) and Anthony; and his great grandchildren, Leonie and Amelia. He also leaves behind his sister Felicia in Torino, Italy, along with numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces.

He is predeceased by his young sister, Felicia; his infant son, Giuseppe; his mother, Angela; father, Giuseppe; brothers Tommaso and Serafino and sister Maria.

Antonio was born on December 15, 1928 in Amato, Catanzaro, Italy. He is the fifth of six children. He met the love of his life, Serafina, when they were teenagers. They courted for nine years and married in 1953. They shared 72 wonderful years of marriage together. Upon retirement they traveled, attended to their garden and spent time with their family and friends.

Antonio worked in construction in Rome and Torino before immigrating to Canada in 1967. He lived in Prince Rupert, B.C. until 1972 where he worked for the city in road maintenance and construction. He then moved his family to Kamloops, B.C. where he worked for Balco Forest Industries until he retired in 1989.

Antonio loved Kamloops because of his extended family and the warm climate that was similar to his native country. He loved his garden, which blossomed in abundance with various vegetables and fruit that he lovingly shared with his family and friends. He also loved to make wine which he did so with pride. His home was open to family and friends especially during the summer months when he would often be found entertaining while trying to stay cool underneath his grapevine in the back yard. He was a gracious and kind host to all. He enjoyed family functions and holidays and always made sure everyone was having a good time.

Antonio was proficient in making homemade capocollo, sopressata and sausage using old-world methods of curing and preserving and was always willing to share his knowledge with others along with the finished product.

Antonio was extremely proud of his family and was always willing to help in any way possible. He was an expert handyman. If there was any job that needed attention, he would show up ready to help out. He was meticulous for details and his work was done to perfection.

He was most proud of his grandchildren and was extremely happy to see them succeed in their endeavors. He shared with them stories of his past with emphasis on growing up in Italy, which always had a life lesson or some funny anecdote. He had a great sense of humor and lived life with respect, love and honor. He was loved by all who knew him. His presence in our family will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and care aides who attended to Antonio at RIH along with his family doctor, Dr. Adeosun and staff. We would also like to thank the IHA Home & Community Care team doctor, nurses and care aides who attended to him at home. Your kindness and compassionate care is most appreciated. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the RIH Foundation.

Prayers will be held on January 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and a mass for Christian burial will be on January 10, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. with entombment at Hillside Cemetery Mausoleum to follow.