Antonio Rossi

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, nonno, great-grandfather, Antonio Rossi. Antonio passed away peacefully after a brief illness at his family home on May 16th at the age of 90.

Antonio is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 66 years, Assunta Rossi; his two children, Mick (former spouse Laura) and Rina; his sister, Giuseppina Rossi; and brother-in-law, Angelo Masi. He also leaves behind his greatest pride and joy, his four grandchildren: Sussana (Pasquale), Sabrina (Eric),Tony (Ella), and Lissandra (Daniel); and the most recent additions to his family, his two great-grandchildren,Emilia and Theo. He is predeceased by his son, Luigi; his sister, Maria Mazza; and many other loved ones.

Son of Domenico Rossi and Caterina Maruca, Antonio was born in Amato, Catanzaro, Italy, on November 3rd, 1934. He began his apprenticeship in tailoring at the young age of 12. He married the love of his life on August 23rd, 1959. Together, Mom and Dad nourished a friendship, raised a family, and built a beautiful marriage.

In pursuit of a better life for his family, he was sponsored by his uncle Jim to move to Canada. Antonio left for Canada in 1963 at the age of 29, leaving his wife and son, promising to reunite with them. Upon his arrival in Winnipeg, he started to work as a tailor with his uncle, Jim Maruca. In 1964, his wife, Assunta, and son, Mick, joined him in Winnipeg to start their new lives in Canada. The family grew with the addition of one more child, Rina, in 1968. Throughout the years, Dad worked as a well-respected and skilled tailor in various major retail clothing stores, including Eaton's, Danzker and Sons Ltd, Hanford and Drewitt, Holt Renfrew, and Ralph’s Custom Tailors.

Antonio had a passion for many things. He was an avid gardener, spending countless hours planting and tending to his beautiful vegetable garden every year. He was known for always sharing the bounty of his garden with neighbours, friends, and relatives. He truly enjoyed the company of his friends and family and looked forward to spending Sundays in the summer months at St. Malo, Birds Hill, and Grand Beach playing bocce and sharing food. Antonio will be fondly remembered as a true gentleman and a man of great pride. His warmth and light will be profoundly missed. He was a wonderful Dad, teaching us to

always love and respect others. He was a joyful and loving Nonno to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He shared countless beautiful moments with them, and he found immense happiness and purpose in their presence. His love for his family was immeasurable. Antonio was always well dressed, a hard worker; you could always catch him singing, he had an infectious laugh, and he would never forget a birthday or anniversary.

Thank you to all our family and friends for their love and support. The family would like to thank nurse Lisa and Dr. Volpe from palliative care for their compassion and excellent care.

Viewing and condolences will be held at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Avenue, on Friday, May 23rd, at 10:00 am, followed by the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 am. Officiating will be Father Michael Raj Savarimuthu.

Private family entombment to follow at Waverley Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Tony Rossi, Pasquale Pingitore, Eric Mazur, Tom Rossi, Frank Migliaccio, and Tony Mazza Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Antonio’s memory can be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

We will celebrate the incredible man he was and take comfort in knowing that he is with our Lord Jesus Christ. His legacy will live on through the love and respect he shared and through the lives he touched. He will forever be remembered. Riposa in pace caro Papa. We love you.