ROBERTO PIETRO CANTAFIO

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ROBERTO PIETRO CANTAFIO Peacefully and with his devoted family surrounding him, Roberto Cantafio di Giuseppe went home to the Father on Ash Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at Seven Oaks Hospital. He would have celebrated his 92nd birthday on February 15. He leaves to mourn his passing, his loving and ever supporting wife of 71 years, Concetta Vesuvia (Mazza), his daughters Serafina (Frank) Loschiavo, Aurora (Richard) Scerbo, Pasqualina (Vance) Clarke and his son Joseph (Daniele Harrison), 14 grandchildren, 30 great- grandchildren, sister-in-law Maria of Calgary, brother Victorio (Pierina) Pallone in Montreal, nephews, nieces, numerous godchildren and many friends in Italy, Canada and the USA. Roberto was predeceased by brothers Domenic and Giuseppe, sisters Marianna Scerbo, Giuseppina Cantafio and Angelina Mottola. He immigrated to Canada from Amato Catanzaro, Italy, with his immediate family in the spring of 1949, seeking a better life for his four children, all of whom blossomed under their constant care, guidance and love. Roberto and Concetta were among the Amatese pioneers in Winnipeg and through their love and support for family and friends, sponsored many families and individuals to life in Canada. Like St. Joseph, well before him, Roberto was a carpenter by trade. He served in the Italian army during the Second World War. For most of his life he worked for the CNR (Transcona). Upon retirement, his passion focused on his ever expanding family and friends, his cottage and large garden at Matlock Beach, his yearly vacations in Mazatlan, Mexico, his home garden where he raised bushels of prime red tomatoes that went perfectly with Mamma's buckets of Basil. Wine making was his delight and as he aged, he would supervise his grandsons who learned the art from him. Roberto was a talented musician playing both the clarinet and mandolin in the Amatese Band (18 years) and later in the Military Band. He retained music in his soul and you would often hear Dad whistling throughout his day. This continued up to his last weeks. He will be carried to his final resting place by his grandsons, Sam, Robert, Alfonso, Joe, Sandro and Richard Jr. Mamma and the family would like to thank the management and staff at St. Joseph's Residence for the love, care and compassion they have shown Dad. Prayer services to be held at Holy Rosary Parish, 510 River Ave., on February 14 at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Rosary on Friday, February 15 at 11:00 a.m. presided by Rev. Father Sam R. Argenziano, with entombment to follow at Waverley Memorial Gardens (Mausoleum) at 1501 Waverley St. In respect of Lent, flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. A Prince among Men, gentle, soft spoken, who always had a radiant smile that warmed one's soul, has left us. He will forever rest in Peace with our Lord. He will always be remembered by all of those that loved him. . . Sarai sempre nei nostri cuori. Risposa in Pace Caro Papa e Nonno. In my Father's house there are many mansions, I go and prepare a place for you. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery 1 Green Acres Lane, (204) 222-3241 Life stories may be shared with friends and family across the globe at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2008