January 30, 1931 – February 9, 2026
With deep sorrow, the family of Antonio Vecchione shares the news of his passing at home on February 9, 2026, at the age of 95. He was surrounded by his loved ones during this time.
Antonio was born on January 30, 1931, in Visciano, Naples, Italy. He was the son of Giovanni Vecchione and Cristina Foglia. From them, he learned important values that shaped him into a remarkable man: dedication to hard work, loyalty to family, and a profound love for those around him.
On November 13, 1955, he married Luisa Serino, who was the love of his life. Their journey together lasted for an incredible 69 years until Luisa passed away in 2024. Their bond was unbreakable and filled with devotion.
Seeking better opportunities after their marriage, Antonio and Luisa courageously crossed the Atlantic Ocean with just one briefcase between them. Once they arrived in Halifax, they waited patiently in a busy hallway before being processed through Pier 21 to enter Canada. They then traveled by train to Fort William, Ontario where they created a loving home for their two children John and Christina-and later cherished moments with their grandchildren Michelle and Paula-nurtured by Italian Catholic traditions.
In his first three years in Canada, Antonio worked as a construction laborer before joining Paterson’s Grain Elevators. Starting off as a laborer there led him to eventually maintain equipment over the years. After about fifteen years with Paterson’s company being acquired by Richardson’s, he continued working there for another twenty years until retiring as a millwright helper. To help support his family even more during those times he took on additional evening work carrying heavy bags of flour while loading ships – often putting in long hours from dusk till dawn almost every day-but always humbly crediting it all to having an incredible wife who dedicated herself entirely to their household and children.
Tending to his garden brought Antonio immense joy; he grew onions, potatoes, peppers and green beans-but nothing made him prouder than his tomatoes. When not gardening he could be found picking plums from his backyard tree or making wine from grapes stored in his shed; canning tomato sauce or crafting sausages and soppressata were also among his passions. After a long day spent working hard-if there were tomatoes alongside bread and wine at dinner-that meal felt like perfection.
Over time Antonio underwent wonderful transformations within himself; though always loving by nature-in earlier days-he held firm beliefs about discipline as both father and Nonno which emphasized respect responsibility alongside hard work that resonated deeply with those around him including children & grandchildren alike who were familiar with his serious demeanor back then but as time passed that seriousness softened significantly turning into lightheartedness where laughter flourished! Often joking around teasingly engaging playfully especially with son John sharing humor over shared drinks during morning espressos while Christina joined along happily too enjoying these moments together! Additionally cherished relationships included daughter-in-law Pavlina & son-in-law Shawn whom he adored treating them like family all wrapped up lovingly within grandkids Michelle & Paula receiving so much care wrapped up tightly within memories made together filling hearts fully until overflowing!
Antonio was truly one-of-a-kind! Words fall short describing how much respect admiration love flowed towards him from everyone else whether husband/father/Nonno figure because indeed he exemplified selflessness pouring everything possible into caring for each member leaving indelible impressions upon us all forever etched into our souls even if Sunday lunches won’t feel quite same anymore knowing both him & Luisa remain intertwined eternally right inside our hearts!
He leaves behind children John Vecchione (Pavlina) and Christina Harris (Shawn); grandchildren Michelle & Paula Vecchione; sister-in-law Cristina Vecchione; nephews John & Tony Vecchione; niece Cristina Bakker (Raymond); great nephew Eric & niece Emily Bakker; mother-in-law Bozena Fridmanova along other extended relatives/friends too numerous mention here! Preceded death include beloved wife Luisa plus parents Giovanni Vecchione/Cristina Foglia siblings Salvatore/Carmina Veggione departing us sooner than hoped!
A memorial service honoring Mr. Antonio Vecchione will take place Tuesday February17th2026 among family&friends gathering@St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church during Funeral Mass beginning promptly11AM officiated under Father James Panikulam’s guidance followed immediately afterwardby Visitationonehourprior servicewithin church premises entombment following thereafter taking place Our Lady Of Charity Mausoleum St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery grounds nearby!
Simplistic arrangements entrusted WESTFORTCHAPEL420West Gore Streetat James preparing lovely farewell tribute!
Sarai sempre nel cuore di chi ti ama.
Grazie per tutto quello che hai fatto per noi.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay. com
