Antonio Alidoro Calenda of Guelph, Ontario passed away peacefully on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 6:20 pm EST. He was 96. He had a hearty ‘Last Supper’, got cleaned and dressed for the evening, and then got out of Dodge! His heart simply slowed and he took his last breath. No struggle, pain, furtiveness or fear. Easy peasy. His final lesson to us all: Never leave home on an empty stomach!
Born in Rocco San Giovanni, Italy on April 6, 1927, Antonio is the last of 8 children. He was the son of Giuseppe Calenda and Camilla Calenda nee Veri. He is survived by his 5 children Giuseppe (Heather, Victoria, BC), Mary, Lee (Moe), Gino (Patti), and Peter (Carmela), and 11 grandchildren : Tino (Lorelei, San Francisco), Luc (Brooke), Alexandra, Sofia, Giuliano, Romano, Evano, Aaron (Allison), Calvin, Christian, and Amy, and all their beautiful partners, with 2 bonus grand children Michael (Kylie), and Matthew and 7 great grandchildren: Antonio, Aria, Leo, Vaeda, Lucenzo, Jeff (San Francisco) and Gia Grace. Survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins and in laws in Canada, Italy, Argentina, Australia, England and the US.
Antonio immigrated to Canada in 1951 landing in Halifax and made his way to Toronto to meet up with his Zio Sam Veri. He brought over his new wife Francesca Della Croce and his parents in 1952. They moved to Guelph in 1953 encouraged by his Zio Mike Veri. Over the next 6 years, Antonio brought over his brother in laws Alberto, Nicola, Valente and Tomaso Della Croce, and his father/mother in laws' Raffaele and Anna Della Croce. His life was informed and inspired by his faith, family and a ferocious appetite for hard, physical labour. His was a devout Roman Catholic, dedicated family man, and proud Canadian. A brilliant mind with a grade 2 education. He valued thrift and responsible financial management who detested debt. He worked at Fiberglas Canada on York Road for over 30 years. His first car was a 1962 Dodge Pioneer with a push button gear shift. He was a Dodge fan for the rest of his life. Education was his wish for all his children and grandchildren.
A voracious gardener and urban farmer, he had a full garden up to his 89th year at his beloved 3 Ridgeway Avenue; his third and last house built in 1966, otherwise known as ‘Calenda Station’. He counted Jim Sutherland, Noel McVicker, Abe Westerveld, Ralph van Egten, Ken Fraser and Joe Di Gravio among his long standing neighbourhood friends from 60 years ago. Too many laughs, good times, mutual aid and much wine consumed to even measure.
He is the last of his first immigrant kind. Like his father before him he often exclaimed. “Italy gave me my birth, Canada gave me my life.” And now, Heaven will be his eternal home with his beloved wife Francesca.
Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph (519-821-5077). Family invite friends for a Visitation on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 11:00am at the Basilica Of Our Lady Immaculate, 28 Norfolk Street, Guelph with Father Ian Duffy officiating. A reception will be held in the Church Hall following the Funeral Mass. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society would be appreciated. Donations can be made in person at the funeral home or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com