elevated SwBqF April 27, 1936 – January 1, 2025

elevated SwBqF Visitation
Wednesday January 8, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 5:00 – 8:00 pm

elevated SwBqF Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6

elevated SwBqF Funeral Mass
Thursday January 9, 2025 at 10:30 am

elevated SwBqF Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home

elevated SwBqF To view Funeral Mass-Click Here

elevated SwBqF Entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7

elevated SwBqF Holy Cross Mausoleum

elevated SwBqF Obituary

elevated SwBqF It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Antonio (Tony) Battista on January 1st, 2025, at the age of 88. Beloved husband of his cherished wife Teresa for 67 years, devoted father of Mary (Anthony), Liliana (Joseph), and Remo (Mary). Proud nonno to Michael, Daniel, Monica (Adrian), Catherine, Anthony, and Laura. Antonio is also survived by his brothers Domenico (late Lillian), and Giuseppe (Anna), and his sister Rita (Giuseppe). He is mourned by his many loving nieces and nephews, and their children, in both Canada and Italy.

elevated SwBqF Antonio was born on April 27, 1936, in the town of Civitanova del Sannio, province of Isernia, in the Molise region of central Italy. In 1953, he immigrated to Canada to join his father Felice and brother Domenico. He became a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793 in 1964, and in 2024 he was recognized for completing 60 years of continuous membership. He worked in the construction industry,
establishing himself as a respected backhoe and bulldozer operator until he retired at the age of 64. He has been described as an excellent worker who completed each job with care and precision.

elevated SwBqF
As committed and successful as he was in his work, Tony’s first love was his immediate and extended family. Along with his loving wife, he provided his three children with a university education, and nourished them with the fresh vegetables he grew in his large backyard garden, homemade cured meats and wine. Tony was an exemplary model of a faithful and devoted husband and father. 

elevated SwBqF To his grandchildren he conveyed great love, laughter and warmth. Nonno always joked with them, made them laugh, and spoiled them. They loved the Saturday night barbecue dinners at his house, the card games, and stories of his youth. He will remain forever in their hearts as a sweet and gentle grandfather. To his nieces and nephews he was like a second father, and never hesitated to assist anyone who required help or encouragement. In all of his dealings with people, Tony always had a smile and a funny story to share. He treated all people, regardless of their status or situation, with the same kindness, respect, and humour.

elevated SwBqF In his last few years, as his health was declining, Tony’s wish was to remain at home, where he was cared for daily by his loving wife and children. In the last months of his life, as he battled various serious illnesses at home, he remained gracious and grateful to all who cared for and visited him.

elevated SwBqF Even in his last days, in spite of his physical suffering, Tony could joke and tease with the health care workers who tended to him. A special thank you to all the PSWs from SE Health, especially Jennifer, Anthony, Olu and Stella. Thank you also to the nurses who visited him daily, Eloisa and Caterina. A final thank you to his family physician, Dr. Neal Belluzzo, and Dr. Jonathan Abrams from the (Sinai Health) Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care. Although Tony’s light has gone out here, we are comforted knowing that it shines even more brightly in God’s presence, as he is reunited with the loved ones who have gone before him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada, the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, or the Canadian Cancer Society.

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