89 Years Strong ... Dad

Yesterday, Friday April 23, 2010 around 4:30pm, Gino's dad, Guiseppe Antinozzi took his last breath. He was 89 years young.

As long as I have known Gino, and years before I'm sure, his family has always been close.  When the family would get together, his son's would pinch his cheeks, affectionately call him 'Jo Moeneen', and make sure he was as comfortable as possible.  With a spine fused together from years of sleeping in cold army tents, two hearing aids, two fiberglass hips and a walking cane, he was strong and determined.  Gino and I often spoke of him as a 'tank'.  Never letting anything conquer him ... even bowling at 86 years of age!

One of his favourite things to do was cook up a storm for the family.  From homemade soup to complicated Italian dishes, he loved his kitchen.  Into his late 80's, he continued to cook until Mom and Mario (G's older brother) started gently encouraging him not too.  Perhaps it was the burnt Shepherds Pie they came home to when Dad feel asleep while it was in the oven, or the teriyaki sauce he had made and put into a plastic container while it was still hot.  None the less, he was commited to doing and serving, creating an atmosphere of family forever memories!

I always remember showing up at the house and Dad had baked my FAVOURITE cookies!  Don't even know what they are called, but I knew when he made those, he was thinking of me.  And seeing his face as I picked one off the plate and savoured the love he had put them together with. 

And then there's the birth of Luciano ...

The morning after we came out of the hospital, we raced to the restaurant his parents went too every morning at 9am.  We knew this was a special morning as Luciano was the only grandson who would carry the Antinozzi name.  The moment Jo saw him, his face lit up.  And last Monday evening, when we went to the hospital to see Nonone (grandfather in Italian), in and out of consciousness, he asked, "Howz the boy?".  Gino have him the thumbs up just as he feel back asleep.  Luciano was a precious gift to him ...

I am so incredibly grateful for the family I have married into.  When I look at the legacy of commitment from Gino's parents, the dedication to family and the determination to not only survive, but enjoy life, I realize just how precious time is.  Once again, reality of why we are here and the importance of family and loved ones has set in.

 

Dad is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Denise and four of his five children and their families - Nancy, Mario, Gino and Patrick.  Last May, the family buried his oldest daughter Lina, after her battle with cancer.  His imprint has also been left on five grandchildren and 2.5 great-grandchildren (one is due this Summer).  His legacy of family was incredibly evident yesterday as we spent time together, toasting and remembering the chief of the family.