Nunzio Martone

Today we are gathered here to celebrate the life of a great man, Nunzio Martone

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He was a husband, a father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, neighbor, but most of all a man of faith.

Born in 1930 in Frigento Avellino, Italy, he lived with his 7 brothers and sisters in a shanty shed. Nunzio was always getting into trouble, stealing fruit from the neighbours trees, not going to school, skipping out of working the land to attend a dance. It was a life of poverty and hardship with his mother dying when he was 14. But the family was close knit, jokesters each of them. Some mischief was always to be had.

After World War II, he met a beautiful woman, Angelina, and they eloped. No one knew they were married. He left Italy to come to Canada for a better life. Two years later, she followed. Nunzio worked hard making a good life for his young family. He worked at Weyerhaeuser, City Board of Works, building homes, but eventually settled at the worst job possible, the keeper of the No. 7 blast furnace at Algoma Steel. Covered in black sute, he would come home being so proud that he kept it burning all day.

Nunzio built a small house. Not sure you can call it a house in today’s standards, but he shared it with all who first came from Italy and needed a place to get started. In the 60 plus years of settling in the Shafer neighbourhood, he never moved very far. Building himself 2 more houses, and settling a block from the original shed house. He was known as the Mayor of Shafer, walking all over, visiting everyone. For back in the day, all the brothers and sisters lived close to one another. It was easy to talk and gossip. And gossip he loved. He always wanted to know what was going on, what you were doing. I’m not sure if it’s so much gossip or wanting to stay connected and knowing what you were up to.

Nunzio and Angelina had two boys, Joseph and Rocco, and they were the pride of his life. They followed him everywhere. Nunzio tried to teach them his passion, his garden. But neither wanted anything to do with it. Nunzio prayed a lot, and his prayers were answered. He could grow zucchinis that were 4 ft long, basil plants that were like small shrubs, and his pride and joy, his pepper plants. Abundant with peppers that his friends and family all got to enjoy. He prayed when he made his salami, and when he made his wine, hanging a rosary nearby. He was a man of faith attending Saturday 5:00pm mass here in this church, always sitting in the same pew. He would always greet people around him. He was not fond of holidays as strangers would displace him in his favourite pew.

Nunzio loved people. He helped so many people. During Joe’s troubles, he helped raise his other pride and joy, his grandchildren, Angie and Joe. I know what you are thinking, and yes there are a lot of Joe and Angela in our family.

He led a simple life, walking everywhere so he could see people, going to the store every day to check out the specials, taking care of his wife, cooking and making sauce and homemade pasta. He was always working. Making mailboxes and bird houses, helping anyone who called him for a job, working at Nicastro grapes which he never considered as work. His relax time was watching a bit of TV. Guess what his favourite TV shows were? Remember the gossiper, he loved WW Wrestling and Jerry Springer.

Nunzio was different than most Italian men of his age. He learnt the value of reading and writing English. Had a funny sense of humor. Had a rooster for a pet, Rusty. He would get up in the morning and talk to it. “Good morning Georbee”, he would say. Called Rocco, not his son, but his Best Friend. He was not afraid to show affection. One of the things we will miss the most about Nunzio, he was not afraid to say I Love You. He would always say, “I love you. Don’t forget me”. And now to my dearest Zio Nunzio we say, We Love YOU and we won’t forget you.

Wisdom 4.7-15

The righteous, though they die early,

will be at rest.

For old age is not honoured for length of time,

or measured by number of years;

but understanding is gray hair for anyone,

and a blameless life is ripe old age.

There was one who pleased God and was loved by him,

and while living among sinners was taken up.

Such a person was caught up

so that evil might not change their understanding

or guile deceive their soul.

For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good,

and roving desire perverts the innocent mind.

Being perfected in a short time, they fulfilled long years;

for their soul was pleasing to the LORD,

therefore he took them quickly from the midst of wickedness.

Yet the peoples saw and did not understand,

or take such a thing to heart,

that God’s grace and mercy are with his elect,

and that he watched over his holy ones.

The word of the Lord.

Romans 6.3-9

Brothers and sisters:

Do you knot know

that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus

were baptized into his death?

Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death,

so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead

by the glory of the Father,

so we too might walk in newness of life.

For if we have united with him in a death like his,

we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

We know that our old self was crucified with him

so that the body of sin might be destroyed,

and we might no longer be enslaved to sin.

For whoever has died is freed from sin.

But if we have died with Christ,

we believe that we will also live with him.

We know that Christ, being raised from the dead,

will never die again;

death no longer has dominion over him.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father,

who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

MARTONE, Nunzio - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nunzio Martone peacefully on Friday, August 9, 2019 with his family by his side at the Sault Area Hospital. Beloved husband of Angelina (Davino) for 70 years. Much loved father of the late Joseph and Rocky (Sharon). Adored by his grandchildren Angelina Martone and Joseph Martone (Lacey). Great grandfather of Debra and Rylee. Nunzio was born in Fridgento, Avellino, Italia on October 8, 1930 to the late Rosaria and late Giuseppe Martone. Much loved brother to his predeceased brothers and sisters, late Maria Carmela (late Carmine) Flammia, late Carmine (late Maria Grazia) Martone, late Vittorio (late Angelina) Martone, late Maria Stella (late Michele) Savino, late Ermelinda (late Carmine) Melchionna, late Maria Consiglia (late Antonio) Genua, and late Mario (Virma) Martone. Cherished brother-in-law of late Raffaele Davion, late Vincenzo (late Giuseppina) Davion, late Giuseppe (Rosinna) Davino, late Celesta (late Angelo) Desavino, late Teresa (late Gaetano) DiMarino, late Rosinna, and Maria Carmella (late Emillio) Grella. Nunzio will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, especially Rocco Davino, his special friend, Larry Tschekalin, and his many neighbours who shared in the fruits of his labour from his vegetable garden. Nunzio worked at Algoma Steel Ltd., and loved to walk all over visiting friends and family. Friends and family are invited to visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E 705-759-2522) on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Funeral Mass celebrated at St. Gregory's Parish on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 10 am with Father Ron Ambeault officiating. Entombment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial contributions to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. A special thank you to Dr. Mir Shafiee and the Sault Area Hospital nurses and staff of 3C for their compassion and dignity of caring for Nunzio during his final chapter of life.

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MARTONE, Nunzio - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nunzio Martone peacefully on Friday, August 9, 2019 with his family by his side at the Sault Area Hospital.

Beloved husband of Angelina (Davino) for 70 years. Much loved father of the late Joseph and Rocky (Sharon). Adored by his grandchildren Angelina Martone and Joseph Martone (Lacey). Great grandfather of Debra and Rylee. Nunzio was born in Fridgento, Avellino, Italia on October 8, 1930 to the late Rosaria and late Giuseppe Martone. Much loved brother to his predeceased brothers and sisters, late Maria Carmela (late Carmine) Flammia, late Carmine (late Maria Grazia) Martone, late Vittorio (late Angelina) Martone, late Maria Stella (late Michele) Savino, late Ermelinda (late Carmine) Melchionna, late Maria Consiglia (late Antonio) Genua, and late Mario (Virma) Martone. Cherished brother-in-law of late Raffaele Davino, late Vincenzo (late Giuseppina) Davino, late Giuseppe (Rosinna) Davino, late Celesta (late Angelo) Desavino, late Teresa (late Gaetano) DiMarino, late Rosinna, and Maria Carmella (late Emillio) Grella. Nunzio will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, especially Rocco Davino, his special friend, Larry Tschekalin, and his many neighbours who shared in the fruits of his labour from his vegetable garden. Nunzio worked at Algoma Steel Ltd., and loved to walk all over visiting friends and family. Friends and family are invited to visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E 705-759-2522) on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Funeral Mass celebrated at St. Gregory's Parish on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 10 am with Father Ron Ambeault officiating. Entombment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial contributions to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. A special thank you to Dr. Mir Shafiee and the Sault Area Hospital nurses and staff of 3C for their compassion and dignity of caring for Nunzio during his final chapter of life.