Veni, Vidi, Vici

From the moment this beautiful boy was born he began capturing hearts, and now he leaves us all too soon without an enemy in the world. Forever a kid at heart himself, he somehow packed a full lifetime of fun into his 48 years, bringing an eternal playfulness and joy to each of his many roles. As a husband, father, brother, son, friend, relative, colleague, mentor, or random stranger, Tony endeared himself to everyone with his selflessness, generosity, passion and, of course, humour.

The youngest of four siblings and the only boy, Tony was a born peacemaker. Even in the most stressful of times and difficult of situations, he was able to diffuse tension with his wit and charm and absolute refusal to lose perspective on what mattered most – people. As a father he was a teacher, sharing his many passions with his boys and ensuring their lives were filled with fun and their hearts with love. In Karin he found a partner who adored him, and he in turn adored her. He was our rock. And yes, Tony, we could smell what the Rock was cooking.

And we heard the (loud) music and saw all the tattoos. But most of all we admired the man, adored the person, and appreciated the gentle, loving soul.

Having found his niche in the culinary arts, employing his talents at notable dining establishments such as North 44, Bymark, One, and Fabbrica, Tony’s career was unfortunately cut short by the trauma of a pair of disabling car accidents. Having already been afflicted with scoliosis as a child, necessitating the insertion of a metal rod in his back, the diagnosis two years ago of terminal Glioblastoma Multiforme seemed a brutal and unjust reckoning for a life well lived.

Yet live he continued to do. Through two surgeries and physically punishing treatment his spirit never wavered. His humour never dimmed. Instead of “why me?”, he opined “Why not me?” As those around him struggled with our pending loss, he was the one who continued to bring levity, strength, and relief. He was our hero. Our Superman. And amid his battle with the Kryptonite that would finally fell him, he still summoned the strength to take his family to visit their ancestral homes in Scotland and Italy. Veni, Vedi, Vici.

Devoted husband to Karin and father to Vincenzo and Spencer, Tony also leaves behind his mother, Francesca, beloved sisters Maria (Frank), Josie (Mark), and Attilia (Joe), In-laws Michael and Maureen Hobley, Sister-in-law Cheryl Hobley (Mark Overend), nieces and nephews Julia, Michael, Helena, Olivia and Sienna, and a handful of true blood brothers and sisters that he picked up along the way.

Always your father’s son, you gave us all everything you had, Tony, now enjoy your reunion.

Due to the current challenges resulting from Covid, visitations will be limited to a private family gathering.

A celebration of Tony’s life to be held on the anniversary of his passing.

Please note that it was Tony’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations to the Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House Cancer Care Centre that provided he and his family with so much support during his cancer journey would be most appreciated and beneficial to other suffering families. https://wellspring.ca/birmingham/get-involved/make-a-donation/