ANTONINO COTRONEO

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ANTONINO COTRONEO December 18, 1920 - December 2, 2009 In the peaceful way he lived his life our beloved grandfather, father and husband drifted into eternal life at the age of 88 years. He leaves to mourn his life's true love, wife of 62 years, Maria Bova, daughter Grace Francesca, son Vincenzo (Marna), grand-children Maria-Teresa, Anthony (Emi), David, Robert (Amy) and Kevin, sisters Anna and Giovanna (Giuseppe) of Italy, brothers-in-law Giuseppe Bova (Franca) and Giorgio Porpiglia of Italy, sisters-in-law Giuseppina Bova of Victoria, Angela Bova and Rosa Bova, both of Italy, numerous nieces and nephews in Italy and Canada. Grandpa was predeceased by his parents Antonino and Francesca Cotroneo, brothers Giorgio, Vincenzo and Giuseppe, as well as numerous in-laws for which he had much affection, especially Francesco and Filomena Bova, Giuseppino and Giuseppina Bueti and nephew Vince Bova. Antonio or known as Nino for those close to him, was born in the small mountain village of San Roberto, Reggio Calabria, Italy on December 18, 1920. From an early age Nino embraced the Catholic Church and was proud to share stories of being an altar boy and all the religious teachings he had learnt. It was this foundation that gave him the strength to face his challenges and love in the unselfish way that he did. In 1947 he married his soul mate Maria (a true Romeo and Juliet story) and together they worked diligently to build a life together with their children in San Roberto where Nino was proud of his position as supervisor in an olive oil processing plant. In 1962 he and his family moved to Winnipeg to join other family members and he went on to work tirelessly in construction for the next 20 years. When he retired he was able to spend more time tending to his fabulous garden, doing home renovations, watching soccer and his favourite of all, reading and expanding his knowledge, even teaching himself to read English. He always said that knowledge is power and made sure he was up-to-date on everything from current events and technology to his own medical diagnosis. He was sharp as a tack right up until his final days. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his wife and grandchildren, sharing stories and his infinite wisdom. His love for his immediate and extended family was endless. Words were not needed to show the happiness he felt when he saw his children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews. His eyes lit up and sparkled as he answered his front door; his love was expressed in the way he always placed everyone's needs before his own. The family will receive condolences on Saturday, December 5, 2009 between 10:00 a.m. and 10:25 a.m in the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Ave. Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Father Sam Argenziano officiating. Entombment will be in Holy Angel Mausoleum, Hwy. #1 at Navin Road. Pallbearers will be Anthony Cotroneo, David Cotroneo, Robert Cotroneo, Kevin Cotroneo, Mario Dell'Acqua, George Sotiriadis, Alessio Bova and David Bueti. The family wishes to thank the staff of 7A West at St. Boniface Hospital for their kindness and respect in Antonio's last few days. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to the C.N.I.B., 1080 Portage Avenue. For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca Sarai sempre nel nostro cuore. Rest in peace, until we meet again MOSAIC FUNERAL CREMATION AND CEMETERY SERVICES 1839 Inkster Blvd. 275-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 04, 2009