Antonio (Tony) Versace

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden loss of our generous, kind and loving husband, Papa and Nonno, Antonio Versace. Just five days before his 75th birthday, Antonio took his last breath with his wife, daughter and two sons by his side at St. Boniface Hospital.

Antonio leaves to mourn his loving and beautiful wife of almost 50 years, Angela (Siragusa); his son Frank (Candice) and grandchildren Caruso, Costello and Isabella; his son Armando (Kristin) and grandchildren Layla and Mason; and his daughter Antonietta (Joe) Oliveira and grandchildren Sienna and Talia. He’s also survived by his three sisters: Pina (late Antonio), Princi, Teresa (Antonio) Pugliese, and Giovanna (Antonio) Torquato; his brother Giovanni (Domenica); sister-in-law Melina (late brother Natale); and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Antonio is predeceased by his mother and father, Antonia and Francesco, along with numerous other relatives.

Antonio was born in Delianuova, Reggio Calabria, Italy and joined his sister and brother-in-law (Pina & Antonio Princi) in Winnipeg, Canada at the age of 18 in search of opportunity and prosperity. With few resources and many challenges, Antonio quickly learned English, found a job, and began creating a life for himself. By 21, he saved up to buy his first home and a new car. Never one to sit still, Antonio worked tirelessly to get ahead and build the foundation for his future. He owned many rental properties, and worked at Boeing as an aircraft technician for over 31 years.

In 1970, Antonio married the love of his life Angela, and with his soulmate, they made wonderful memories together. He cherished his time with his three children and seven grandchildren, telling stories around the dinner table, enjoying summers at the cottage and family vacations. He loved to laugh and had a kind word for everyone he met. Antonio lived life on his own terms and always inspired us to do better than our best. He used to say: “Don’t wait for tomorrow what you can do today.” He was selfless to a fault, always making sure everyone else was taken care of before his own needs. He was our pillar of strength, eternal protector and a man of true character and integrity who will be forever missed.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 1, at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Ave. Viewing begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. by Fr. Sam Argenziano. Entombment will be at the Family Crypt, Assumption Chapel Mausoleum, 3990 Portage Ave. Pallbearers will be nephews Stino Urso, Rick Urso, Piero Urso, Saverio Torquato, Gianfranco Versace and Nathaniel Torquato.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Antonio Versace to the Manitoba Lung Association.