Donato Di Rito

Someone received his angel wings and is soaring free above. You fought so hard to stay with us, as long as you could bear. A wonderful man with a heart of gold is resting now; peacefully and without pain. A man who loved to dance, and who could make friends with anyone he met. He was a wonderful husband, Father and Father-in-law, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather who will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace Nonno. Love you, Jennifer.

Our father was an incredible man with a wonderful life story.

Donato Di Rito was born on July 3rd 1929, in a small town in Italy called Cugnoli. As a small child he loved being around people and it was evident then that he was going to be someone special.

He had an younger brother named Aurtoro and later on in life a step-sister named Paola. His parents Antonio and Paula were humble people who taught our father about working hard and many important life lessons that we carry with us today!

My mom often tells us stories about their early courtship, how our father would frequently ride his bike to see her! She always comments on how handsome he was with his beautiful black hair and well-groomed moustache – which would later become his trademark “commo ero bello”.

Donato served in the Italian army for two years. After his service was completed he found employment in South America as a heavy equipment mechanic. Our parents continued their relationship through love letters for about 2 ½ years. Finally he proposed and were married by proxy.

And so their journey began, my mom sailed to Venezuela with her embroidered linens and hope chest.

When she finally arrived she noticed that some of her belongings were missing. My dad found her at the pier crying. Not knowing what happened he thought she had regrets about marrying him. After explaining to him what had happened – he turned to her with a smile on his face and said “don’t worry, everything is going to be OK”. He always had a way of making things better. That was our father! Thus, being the first day of their incredible 65 years of life together!

Our father couldn’t wait to have children and shortly after they welcomed their first born son Tony, and much to their surprise I was born 18 months later. He also developed his passion for being a butcher while living in Venezuela. Unfortunately, in 1963 Venezuela became unsafe and my parents made the decision to go back to Italy.

This time they sailed together. Only living in Italy for 2 short years, we then immigrated to Canada in 1965 where my younger brother John was born later.

Our father worked very hard as a butcher providing the best life possible for us.

Growing up my brothers and I would often wonder why our father’s burgers always tasted so good and he would reply “sure they are fillet mignon burgers”.

As many of you know food was an important part of our family. At any given time a ten course meal could be prepared from their stocked cantina consisting of my mom’s tomato jars, homemade preservers and my dad’s large prosciutto collection. And lets not forget his delicious homemade wine which he took so much pride in making each year, And those delicious spaducce! Although he had no immediate family here in Canada, our mother’s extended family and friends he made along the way became his family.

Our father had a big personality and an even bigger heart. He was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand, first to let out a giggle and first one always on the dance floor. He loved music. Any special occasion you could always count on him dancing away and twirling his partner around the fance floor like Fred Astaire. He never missed a beat!

He couldn’t stay home after retiring so he went to work at Boun Appetite with our brother Tony, where he became a legend – every customer, salesman, and employee loved being around him! He would have still been working if it weren’t for Parkinsons. Throughout his battle with this deadly disease our mother’s unconditional love was the best medicine. When he lost his ability to speak she became his voice, when he couldn’t use his arms and legs she moved them for him. Their bond is greater than any illness.

Our father was blessed with a full life. He was an incredible father, wonderful father-in-law, loving Nonno to 8 beautiful grandchildren Jennifer, Jessica, Vanessa, Anthony, Daniel, Michael, Nicholas, Matthew and a proud Nonnino to 2 great grandsons, Jonathan and James Anthony.

Special thanks goes out to all our family and friends who supported us. Alicia his PSW, Judy his nurse, and our Uncle Remo for always cutting our dads hair and making him look handsome when he could no longer go out.

In the end, the greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Thank you Dad for giving us your time.

We love you, Dad.

Tony, Anna Maria, and John.