Antonino Aguanno
elevated q1Tbf November 1, 1925 – December 18, 2020
elevated q1Tbf Peacefully at Villa Colombo, Toronto, on December 18, 2020 at the age of 95, God reached out and received his spirit. He now joins his wife Maria (nee Cappello) with our Lord.
elevated q1Tbf He will be sadly missed by his 7 children and their families. Jim (Julie), Salvatore (Marisa), Vita (James) Hurley, Ross (Evie), Joseph (Cris), John (Cheryl) and Caterina (Ray) Cormier. His 16 grandchildren, Alexander, Violet (Joseph) Carpio, Anthony (Jessika), Daniella, Clint, Glenn, Kellie, Nicholas, Daniel, Angelina, Richard, Sebastian, Liana, Tony, Cecilia and Rocco and his 2 great-grandchildren Aurelio and Jericho are sure that their Nonno will watch over them.
elevated q1Tbf Antonino was predeceased by his 5 siblings. Antonietta (Giuseppe) Spatafora, Erasmo (Ida), Giovanni (Rosa), Vincenzo (Santina), Frank (Antonietta). Antonino is fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
elevated q1Tbf Sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, PSW’s and support staff of Villa Colombo – 2nd Floor Fidani Wing for their excellent care and compassion.
elevated q1Tbf In lieu of flowers, in memory of Antonino, donations may be made to Villa Charities http://www.villacharities.com/antoninoaguanno
elevated q1Tbf Due to Covid 19 restrictions there will be a private funeral service on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 12:00 pm. Click on the link below to view the service.
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elevated q1Tbf Memories of Antonino
elevated q1Tbf Antonino left his hometown, Vita, Italy, for Canada in 1953 as a young man looking for better opportunities. He made Toronto his new home and began working the very next day after arriving. Soon after he attended night school to learn to speak, read and write English, a skill that would serve him well. In the next few years, he worked in various jobs and quickly saved enough to buy his first car.
elevated q1Tbf In 1957 he was joined in Canada by his fiancé Maria and they were married 2 months later on September 25. Their first child was born 2 years later followed by 6 more over the next 12 years. Antonino regularly worked 10-hour days to support his growing family and loved every moment of it. He became a self-taught carpenter in the days when the only way to work with a 2 by 4 was a handsaw and a hammer. He would boast “you only need to hit the nail 3 times, once to set it, once to drive it in and once more to set it flush”. He prided himself in building perfectly plumb walls and doorways and perfectly pitched roofs “by eye”. His pride for his work allowed him to work long hours spring, summer, fall and winter.
elevated q1Tbf His wife Maria made sure the kids had a light snack after school so the whole family would be able to enjoy dinner together with Antonino after his long workdays on the construction site. After dinner he still had the energy to help the children with homework and he particularly enjoyed when the children practiced their reading. He encouraged his children to understand the value of education and attended every parent-teacher interview.
elevated q1Tbf Summertime was particularly fun as Sunday afternoons would be picnic day at nearby Taylor Creek Park, where he would run and play soccer with the kids. And the highlight of most summers would be the family one-day “vacation” to Niagara Falls.
elevated q1Tbf Even in his modest home in East York area of Toronto with a large family, he still offered his house as a steppingstone for relatives to stay as they immigrated to Canada. With his English skills, he helped them apply for jobs, set up bank accounts and find homes. On Saturdays, his day off, he regularly helped a relative or friend fix their front porch, build a backyard shed or mix cement to build walkways. After building a friend’s shed, he typically stood back, proud of his accomplishment, and would exclaim “you know, that shed is never going to fall down”.
elevated q1Tbf He was extremely proud of all his children as they all grew up and took their turn getting married and starting their own families. He welcomed every daughter-in-law and son-in-law into the family and expressed great joy at each grandchild’s birth – all sixteen of them, and 2 great-grand children. Antonino loved to dance and was so delighted that he had the opportunity to dance at the 2 grandchildren’s weddings that have married.
elevated q1Tbf Antonino retired from his carpentry career at 65 but continued his “backyard shed” building for many years. He helped each of his kids renovate their basements or other parts of their homes. Antonino did not put down his carpentry hammer until well into his 80’s. One year he gathered all his sons, sons-in-law and a few of the older grandsons and told them he needed some help to replace the roof on his house. Well they all showed up to work a long day, but the one who did the most work, climbed up and down the ladder carrying the most shingles was 80-year old Antonino.
elevated q1Tbf It was evident that Antonino’s main love was his family. He also enjoyed growing his vegetable garden. He was able to grow so many tomatoes, zucchini and green beans in that tiny backyard garden and then later in the local community garden. When his children married and bought their homes, he would plant their vegetable gardens too.
elevated q1Tbf Although Antonino lost his beloved wife, Maria, much too early, he managed to be self-sufficient for many years after. His 70’s and early 80’s saw him vacation in Cuba a few times and also drive to Florida for a friend’s anniversary. However, in 2011, at 86 years old he decided to sell the family home that he and Maria had purchased in 1962 saying that it was becoming too much work. He moved to a one-bedroom apartment that was much easier to maintain, and that gave him more time to visit his beloved grandchildren, each one his favourite in a special way. At age 90 he passed his mandatory driving test and kept driving for 2 more years. He loved driving, but at age 92 and driving for over 64 years, he decided that it was time to pause that activity also. Soon after that time the apartment and cooking and cleaning became a chore too and Antonino asked his family to support his wishes to move to a care-home. He did not want to be a burden to any of his children or their families but did continue to enjoy every birthday celebration and holiday with everyone. On November 1st this year Antonino celebrated his 95th birthday. He was thrilled to see all his children and grandchildren assemble in the parking lot outside his Villa Colombo room. He recognized everyone and understood that the circumstances of the times did not allow us to be close enough to hug. However, about a month later his health changed (or one can say, “he heard God calling”) and he peacefully left us, as 2 of his sons sat at his bedside. We entrust Antonino into God’s care.
elevated q1Tbf “To view family photos click the link below”
elevated q1Tbf https://photos.app.goo.gl/SW86oxrHL2SbkSCm8
Jim, Ross and families. Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I am sure he is in a better place now and he will be watching over all of you now and in the future, so you will always have some at your side.
What a beautiful story of your father’s life. At the end, God will say to him, “Well done my son, welcome home”.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Ross:
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved father. May God rest his soul in peace and bring comfort to the whole family during this difficult time.
Joe and family. Sorry for your loss. My condolences. Your father was a remarkable man!
My condolences to Jim, Ross and to the family
Jim, Ross and family. Gloria and I extend our deepest condolences for your loss. Reading about your father’s life story I immediately saw the similarities to my father’s life story. We are so lucky to have the fathers we did. It’s made us who we are today. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.
Jim and Ross, sorry to hear about the loss of your dear father Antonio. My condolences to you and your family.
The beautiful story about Antonio’s life reflect he adventure of thousands of immigrants that came to
Canada to search for a better opportunity ❤️
May God open the gate of His Kingdom to welcome
Antonio in Heaven. R.I.P. 🙏🏻
Dear Cathy. From your Australian friends we send our love and prayers at this time.
My thoughts and prayers each out to each and everyone of you guys. No words can represent that feeling of loss in the here and now, big hugs to each of you. May the Lord gracefully unite him with your mom/grand-ma and allow the watchful eye over you, here on the living side. Take comfort in the memories. My sincere condolences.
Jim and family, sorry for loss my deepest sympathy
My deepest condolences to the family. Beautiful story of his life. May he rest in eternal peace.
So sorry for the families loss. Our condolences and prayers are with the family. Rest in Peace Antonio.
To the aguanno family we were so sadened to hear the the loss of your father through out the time I knew him I had a lot of respect for him whenever I saw him we were always happy to see each other god bless him and our condolences go out to the entire aguanno family
What a beautiful tribute! Our condolences to the entire family. Rest in peace ❤
Sincere condolences to the Aguanno family. Bernie Riggs
Our sincere sympathy to all the Aguanno family Although it seems that day is done when evening shadows fall,we know the sun is rising someplace,shining over all…And so it is when loved ones part,for darkness hides the way..It takes the eyes of faith to see that somewhere it is day..although we cannot follow now the one who’s gone on before we know that in Christ’s presence there’s light on that distant shore.Much love to you all today.
Jim, Ross and families
Norma and I have you in our hearts in this moment of sorrow.
We are sure you all are drawing peace and comfort from the good memories your parents left you with.
Just beautiful.
Our condolences.
Peter and Norma
Jim and Ross
So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. In reading about him, I realize where you both inherited your work ethic, integrity and strength of character. My deepest condolences to you and the entire family
To the Aguanno’s, I am sad to hear this news, I remember him playing Bocce Ball at one of the reunions and showing me up. I really enjoyed reading of his life and accomplishments. My sincere condolences to you all, he is with Maria and Jesus, I hope that brings you some comfort in your time of grief.
Our fathers were best friends from Sicily to Canada, and they passed that friendship onto us overtime. I will forever be grateful for this, and he will be missed by many people, but he is still loved by us all. He will always live with us in our memories.
Jim and Ross , my wife Francesca and I are sorry for your loss. My condolences to you both and your families.
I’m soo sorry to hear the news. It is hard to loose someone you love but know he is still with us in our thoughts and in our prayers. Our sincere condolences to the both of you.
Jim and Ross, our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss , My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved father.
Dear cousins,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult times. Please accepts our sincere condolences.
Love, Caterina, Roselena, Seby Abate and families.
We pray for God’s grace for you and your family to give you the strength and comfort at this time. May his soul rest in peace.
Eternal rest grant unto him O’ Lord; and let perpetual light shine on him, may he rest in peace.
Our Deepest Condolences,
Mario and Vitina Lo Bianco
My deepest condolences to the Aguanno Family. Mr. Aguanno had such a wonderful life full of accomplishment and what a great tribute to him by the family. The world is a better place because of people like him.
Joe, Christina, Richard and to all of the Aguanno family our deepest condolences to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God Bless.
Jim, Ross, condolence for your loss may he rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to the Aguanno family. My father, Salvatore Scavuzzo, spoke very highly of your father and is the man in the middle in the second photo in your slideshow. I remember my dad speaking highly of Antonio. They went to school together back in Vita, and he always looked forward to seeing him and reconnecting at the St. Vito & Taglivia yearly feasts here. Sending love and prayers to your family. Know that now they are together smiling down on us all.
With great sadness, we received the news about the passing of zio Nino
We will never forget this great man and his love and dedication to his beautiful family.
He will be sadly missed by all.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Jim, Ross and families my sincere condolences to you and your families. Cherish all your memories,
Ashe will be watching over your whole family.
May he Rest In Peace.
Jim and Ross, I’ve very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Please accept my condolences, just know that I am here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, especially during this difficult time.
Jim and family, my deepest condolences, sounds like a great man with a beautiful family. May his legacy live on with you all.