With heavy hearts, the family of Antonio Pecchia announces his peaceful passing at his home on Saturday, June 24, 2017 with family by his side. He was 90 years old.

Antonio was born in Avella, Italy on November 30, 1926 to Michael and Adelina Pecchia. He was the eldest of four siblings, and worked as a truck driver throughout central Italy. He is known to this day for his beautiful singing voice, and musical talents. At many celebrations in Italy, and later in Canada, Antonio would sing the good old Italian Classics.

Antonio married Rosa D'Avanzo on October 16, 1955 and together they built a home and ran a goods shop. A few years later, with daughter Adelina and Rosa pregnant with their second child they sailed across the Atlantic on the "Saturnia" to seek a different life in Canada. Arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 5, 1958, they then embarked on a two day rail journey to Fort William, Ontario. On New Year's Day, 1959 their son Michael was born. Son Tony and daughter Julie joined the family within 4 years and son Dean completed the circle of 7 in 1969.

After arriving in Canada Antonio immediately started working as a mechanic for Dominion Motors. Eight years later he was employed with the Great Lakes Forest Products as a WoodRoom Operator where he remained until retirement in 1991. He was a disciplined and dedicated worker who lived by the motto on his kitchen wall - "The world owes you a living, but you have to work hard to collect it." He taught us the values of good hard work and providing for your family. "Thank You" Dad, for always putting great food and homemade wine on the table and a beautiful roof over our heads.

Antonio proudly became a Canadian citizen in September 1963 and embraced Canada in spite of struggles with language and customs. With other local Italians, he helped build the DaVinci Centre and held various council positions over the years. He was the oldest living member of the "Principe Di Piemonte."

Despite no formal education, Antonio was a brilliant intellect. He loved a good debate, astronomy, and the mystery of the skies. His love for nature was channelled into gardening and recycling. Dad was the first environmentalist we knew.

At the family homes, Dad planted 7 trees, one for each member of his family. When we moved from Leland Avenue, he cut them down because "they were the family trees, and we were no longer there." At his home on Rosslyn Road stands 7 majestic trees outlining the front yard. In recent times he constantly reminded us; "I planted those trees. They were so small. Look at them now. They grew so big and strong." Yes Dad, those trees will always stand because of you.

Antonio did his best in every situation he faced. When his youngest child Dean was hit by a car and left a quadriplegic, Antonio persevered. A favourite saying was "Keep going with dignity. We have to keep going." And keep going Dad did. When his son Michael suddenly died, Dad's heart and soul were broken, yet he kept going. When his wife Rosa died, he faced a lonely widower's life. Just over a year ago, he buried Dean and faced suffering and sorrow once again. The numerous losses were overwhelming, but he always tried "to keep going." We are very proud of him.

Antonio leaves behind his daughter Adelina Pecchia (Dennis G. Pringle), daughter-in-law Tammy Slobodian, son Tony Pecchia (Lori Meady), daughter Julie Pecchia (Emmanuel Ziegler) and his grandchildren, Alex, Kory, Aaron, Trevor and Oceane. Left also to mourn is sister Anna Corrado along with numerous relatives in Italy, Canada, United States, and Great Britain.

Sadly, Antonio is predeceased by his wife Rosa, son Michael, son Dean, parents Michael and Adelina, and brothers Pasquale and Sebastian.

Funeral services for the late Antonio Pecchia will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 with family and friends gathering in St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 10:00am celebrated by Fr. Maurizio Maifredi. Interment will follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery. A reception, will be held at the DaVinci Centre, Marco Polo Room, 340 South Waterloo Street, after the graveside service.Visitation will be held on Thursday evening in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 Gore St. W. at James from 6:00pm until 8:00pm with the Vigil Prayers offered at 7:00pm in the chapel.

Donations to the local Canadian Red Cross are appreciated in memory of Antonio.

Dad, you were one of a kind! Your life made the difference. Thank you.

"I have fought long and hard for my Lord, and through it all I have kept true to him. And now the time has come for me to stop fighting and rest." 1 Timothy 4:7

A Husband, a Father, and a Nonno too,
This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us to love and to be polite,
You gave us strength and you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind.
You fought for us all In one way or another,
Not just as a husband, or just as a father.
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you've earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep.