LUIGI ROMOLO

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LUIGI ROMOLO
May 25, 1933 – June 11, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Luigi Romolo, aged 88. Loving husband, father and Nonno. Luigi was born in Favara, Agrigento, Sicily.
Luigi will be fondly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Antonia, children, Onofrio (Gail), Giuseppina (Alec) and Luigi Jr. (Donna), as well as grandchildren, OJ, Kelsey, Trista, Sabrina, Antonio, Aliah and Atticus; great-grandchildren, Ella, Emily and Hunter; brothers, Giuseppe (Carmela), Antonio (Anita); sisters, Ninfa and Rosa (Michele), and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
Luigi was predeceased by his parents, Felice and Giuseppa, brothers, Onofrio and Salvatore and sister Angela.
Dad served in the First Regiment of the Bersagliere Army Corp. and immediately after discharge from service Dad headed to Germany where he was employed with Bayer Leverkusen for nine years before taking a leap of faith with his new bride. Dad and Mom booked a one-way ticket to Winnipeg, Manitoba arriving on December 4, 1963. They arrived in the dead of winter not knowing what was in store for their future. Dad met with immigration the following Monday and they both began the unknown together. Dad was employed with Motor Coach Industries for 30 years in various positions, lastly working in the Research and Development department up until his retirement in 1994.
Dad enjoyed a lengthy retirement. Wine making was a must every year as well as planting a hearty garden. Growing basil was his masterpiece and grew enough to last all winter and with enough to share. Dad enjoyed cooking and was always trying different recipes.
Dad was very proud of his Italian heritage and spent many years as a member of the Sicilian Club of Winnipeg devoting endless hours during the summer participating in Folklorama and other yearly events. He will be remembered by many as the annual spaghetti eating contest winner at the Sicilian Picnic. Boxing as a young man Dad developed a love for sports especially soccer and hockey. Growing up with Dad, and only having one TV, left us all cheering for sports teams together.
Dad enjoyed some travelling with his family but was happiest being in the comfort of his home and spending time in the backyard tending to his flowers. Listening to his bedtime stories was a memory we will always cherish. He would relish in telling us stories of the olden days and adventures that he encountered growing up in Favara. He often mentioned that money was scarce but love of family was always more important. We remember one story in particular, where Dad had an encounter with US Soldiers during the World War and that they provided him with goods to feed his family. This was when Dad tasted a Lifesaver candy for the first time. From that point forward Dad was quick to rummage through our Halloween candy in search of all the Lifesavers. The mini caramels were also his favourite. For years Sunday's were spent at the beach with family and there was always fun to be had.
Life will be different moving forward, it will be sad at times when we think of Dad knowing we will not see him anytime soon or hear from him on the telephone but the memories we have of him in our hearts will give us strength to move forward. He was proud of his family and the achievements we made over the years, always providing encouragement to all of us in his own special way. Dad raised his family with a stern hand but always wanted what was best for us and looked out for our well-being.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the Selkirk and Regional Health Centre for their exceptional and compassionate care that was provided to both our Dad and family through this most difficult time. Thank you to Dr. Demsas, Dr. Clark, Dr. Prematilake, Mel Bernas and ward staff that went above and beyond their call of duty in making Dad comfortable. We will be forever grateful for your unwavering support and for that we thank you!

"Remember me with smiles and laughter, For that's the way I'll remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, Then don't remember me at all." Laura Ingalls Wilder

Riposa in Pace Papa

For online condolences or to light a
memorial candle please log on to www.mosaicfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 19, 2021