Antonio Martone

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother on Thursday February 25, 2021 in his 95th year. He was the beloved husband of Lucia (1936-2019) and father of Donato and his wife Sandra, Gino and his wife Sandra, and Anna Witt and her husband, Dan. He was the very proud Nonno of Elisa, Giulia, Renata, Christopher, Mark, Brandon, Dylan and Madison. Dear brother of Carmine, Rocco, Vito, Luigi, Felice, Giuseppe and Teresa. Loved dearly by extended family, Pia, Mike and Michelina, Nicola and Adriana, Nino and Rina, Giuseppe and their families.

This final chapter of our father’s life unfolds with a complex mix of feelings – that of sadness and that of hope. He was born in Bella, the small mountain top town in southern Italy on January 30, 1927, where he met and married the love of his life, Lucia. Born third into a family of seven brothers and one sister in a small farming town during the war – at a very young age, he accepted the role as a second father and carried the weight to help and serve his family and friends. The love and sacrifices and risks he took for his family - throughout his life are captured in the many ‘stories’ that he loved to tell all who would listen. When retold by relatives and others who knew him - we are truly humbled to come to terms with how a man who began life with literally nothing would end - in his own words – ‘… one of the wealthiest and the happiest man on earth…

To his grandchildren he was ‘Nonno’ and to over forty nieces and nephews he was ‘Uncle Tony’ or ‘Zio Tony’ – ‘our awesome uncle’ and to almost as many – he, along with our Mom, was their ‘godparent’. To young families, in whose plight he recognized, he was like a second father or wise grandfather. Together with our mom, their home and hearts were always open. Sharing and kindness was not simply a word, but a part of their being. There was absolutely nothing they would not do to help someone in need – whether it be a helping hand around the house, sharing freshly made food or just someone to listen.

An honest hardworking man – accustomed and prepared to take on whatever challenge was necessary to provide for his family. His early years can only be described as inspiring. He was the first of our extended family to immigrate to Canada after the war in search of a better place where he could be rewarded for his hard work and a place to start a family. However, at that time, all he found was frozen snow packed land and dangerous employment working deep within the uranium mines along with many other immigrants from across Europe. He worked every day for years - including the holidays to earn a little extra money. Together with our Mom, he made friendships that crossed languages and cultures – families and friends bonded together in a way that could only be described as magical. He needed them and they needed him - learning phrases of other languages to communicate. He would recount stories of sharing shelter, clothing and even food to survive. Despite the harsh conditions at that time - his stories always held a sense of adventure, warmth and caring for others. He quickly became a very skilled self-taught mechanic and highly qualified welder and went to night school to take technical courses to improve his prospects. He recounts the story when the mines closed and he and one of his brothers found themselves quickly out of work. They drove all night to job postings at a car plant in southern Ontario. After noticing his skills as a mechanic and welder – the shop foreman quickly offered him a job. He then asked ‘what about my brother?' When he learned that they only could hire him, he quickly said ‘I am sorry’ - closed his toolbox and they left. A bold move to give up employment in tough times – but knowing our father, his confidence and determination to make a better life for his family and loyalty to his brother, this was just another step in their journey. A naturally, gifted leader, he simply knew that there was something better – they just had to work smarter. They left together and found better employment and a new place to call home the very next day.

When he finally saved enough money – he built a house for our Mom and his three children and soon thereafter, any uncle, aunt and friend that needed help. It became the home where everyone felt welcomed and safe – where we ate and laughed. They were simple, but fun times. We always saw our home as the place where everyone met – the gathering place. Family get-togethers were common and always special. Sunday lunches typically lasted all afternoon – in fact most times we never left the table – one meal simply ran into the next and we would finish dessert and then start again with supper. Impromptu events simply just happened. He loved to see his family and friends together. Mom would prepare plenty of food and stuff just appeared. Everyone was always welcome and no-one ever left their home without something to take with them – whether it was food or a bottle of wine. He taught us the joy of giving and sharing – no matter how big or small – and how the simple gesture of sharing would bring happiness to all.

He was a man of tremendous strength, patience and skill. No task or endeavor was too complicated or risky. Whether it be construction, vehicles or a business deal – he was a man with many skills, an entrepreneur and life long learner. He taught us to never be afraid to try something new or tackle the unknown. We were always amazed that he could create or build or fix anything. When he finally retired from his electrical contracting company, his home workshop became a new source of inspiration and a creative outlet for him. Along with his grandchildren – it became a playground for them to learn and explore from the wise teacher himself. They dreamed and he helped them create – whether it involved welding or woodworking - it was irrelevant. He was their servant and teacher and wanted them to experience the joy that resulted from translating a dream into reality with your own hands. Nothing was impossible. The grandchildren recount countless hours spending time with him ‘in the workshop’.

The past two years have been a challenge for him – as his heart was truly broken with the loss of our mother – Lucia. Never a day passed when he didn’t think of her - you would find him saddened with a tear in the corner of his eye, his pain evident. This only eased with the voice, smile or hug of one of his grandchildren. In those early years they struggled – and relied upon each other. During their sixty two years together, they were blessed with everything of their dreams . He was extraordinary in the love he had for her which grew each day. The dedication and kindness he showed in his small ways always made her smile. We are grateful.

He treasured friendships new and old, swapping ideas and talents. People always described him as a special person with the ability to make everyone feel welcome. His life experiences – captured and retold in his stories have always been a source of inspiration for us. We know now, it was the most natural way for him to pass on his experiences and wisdom. We will use them to draw upon his strength now that he is no longer with us. His passion for his family and friends will always be treasured. His life’s journey – especially his early years could form the basis of an adventure book. His devotion to his family – a mini-series.

As this chapter with him finishes, the next one will begin. Although he will no longer be the storyteller – we will need to be. We promise to continue with what he and our Mom taught us about serving our family and friends – and the joy and peace and happiness it brings. His thoughts and teachings are forever woven into the character of our very large ‘family’ and the new stories – yet to be written will forever have the imprint of his love.

Few men can leave this world knowing that they have had such an impact on so many lives and responsible for so much happiness. A true measure of a man’s worth may not be what he accomplishes during the short time he lives in this world, but rather by what enduring love he leaves behind. If that is how we measure, then he truly was the wealthiest and happiest man in this world.

Goodbye Pap…thank you for everything you did for us … we will love you forever…and love Mom for us too.

"The greatest among you shall be the servant." Matthew 23:11

Please join us in celebrating Tony’s life on Friday, March 5, 2021 at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St. Guelph, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A private Vigil for Tony will be held at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will take place at the Basilica of Our Lady 28 Norfolk St., Guelph on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 10 a.m. Entombment in Our Lady Immaculate Mausoleum, Marymount Cemetery, Guelph. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Parkinson Canada would be appreciated by the family. Donation cards are available at the funeral home 519-821-5077 or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com