elevated 5ACeW July 26, 1927 -May 29, 2020

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Antonio D’Amore at the age of 92 early May 29th,2020. He was born Montefalcione, Avellino, Italy, on July 27, 1927. He is survived by his wife Raffaelle D’Amore, his grandchildren Sabrina (Adrian), Matthew (Nicole), and Anthony and great grandchild Amelia and his sister Olimpia who will all mourn and grieve this loss. He was pre-deceased by his two sons Anthony (Tony) D’Amore (Janice) and Luigi (Lou) D’Amore and his siblings Raffaele, Luigi and Michelina.

Antonio immigrated to Canada in the 50’s to build a better life for himself and his family. He lived in Quebec and Northern Ontario by himself raising money to bring his wife over. He learned to speak French and how to cook for himself and was proud of his tomato sauce and spaghetti dinners that he shared with others in the rooming house. He finally settled in Toronto, Ontario and learned English as a third language. After bringing his wife over and starting his family, he sponsored many relatives to come here to Toronto to live with them. He opened his home and his heart to them. After a fall and broken shoulder, he was forced to change career paths and started working at Connaught Laboratories in North York. He started at the bottom and by the time he retired he had worked his way up to the title of Lab Technician working with the animals and was proud to be part of the team involved in the discovery of the small pox vaccine.

Antonio loved to learn and continued to self-educate continually. He loved being busy – he was a hard worker, he had an affinity with animals, loved his gardening and making wine. But most of all he loved spending time with family. Whether it was just a dinner with immediate family or a picnic with many or a fishing trip with relatives, his happiness was evident as he always had a big smile on his face which reached straight through to his eyes. He was a strong man and a kind man. He was always there to help if you needed him and sometimes when you didn’t think you did. He was respected and loved by all and will be sorely missed. His presence enriched all the lives of those he touched.

There will be a short service for immediate family only Monday June 1, 2020 at 9 am at Holy Cross Funeral Home in Thornhill, Ontario and this will be followed by his internment at the Mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery where he will join his sons. It is with deep sadness that we cannot be together during this global pandemic to honour Antonio and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s society of Canada.