FILIPPONE, Pasquale

FILIPPONE, Pasquale - May 01, 1923 - November 10, 2012 - With great sorrow, his family announces the passing of Pasquale Filippone in his 90th year. He followed in the footsteps of his loving wife Anna Rosa Speranza by leaving us also on a Saturday as well as on the 10th day of the month. Left to mourn him are his children, Tony (spouse Natali Orazietti) of Midland and Adriana (spouse Markus Bertels) of Sudbury. He was the very proud Nonno of Selena Lawrence (John) and Ilana of Toronto, Gian-Luca of Midland and Stefan and Micaela Bertels of Sudbury. His grieving Canadian family includes his brother Carmelo (Franca) and nieces Daniela (Darren Kulik) of Sudbury, Eleonora (Joe Martino) and Manuela Filippone all of Mississauga. Equally saddened by their loss are his sister Teresa Filippone (Giuseppe, deceased) and her children Domenico, Guido and Graziella. Even though he was the eldest in the family, he was predeceased by his brothers Pietro (spouse Caterina and children Antonio, Pasquale, Giuseppina, Domenico and Francesca) and Cosimo (spouse Maria and nieces Carmelina, Giuseppina and Antonella). His life story is a familiar one to those who were immigrants in the middle part of the last century. It is a hardship that few of us would endure today and for which his family is extremely grateful. Pasquale was born in Locri, Reggio Calabria to Antonio and Giuseppina (Alfarone). He was a veteran of WW II, serving in the North African campaign, spending some of those years as a POW. For his service he was awarded “Cavaliere della Patria“. After the war, he left his wife and son for 5 years to prepare the way for a new life for them and himself in Canada. He continued the healthy Italian tradition of growing his own vegetables, gardening right into his late eighties. He enjoyed watching hockey, wrestling and simmered his trademark pasta sauce over the course of two 'Serie A' soccer games, from a recipe yet to be duplicated. His homemade wine was enjoyed by all and he looked forward to meeting his friends and Compari for cards, bocce and refreshments at the Caruso Club. He was grateful to escape some Sudbury winters to Cuba, Florida and Mexico with his wife. He avidly watched his favourite game shows. His was a life built around family and tradition, and we all felt the pride and caring he had for his children, grandchildren and extended family. Ironically, he had just found out he was to be a great-grandfather. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Puranam and the fifth floor medical staff at Health Sciences North. Their professionalism and expertise was exceeded only by their compassion. Funeral Visitation at the JACKSON and BARNARD FUNERAL HOME, 233 Larch St., Sudbury. Friends may call 2-5; 7-9pm Thursday with parish prayers at 3pm. Funeral Mass in Our Lady of Hope Church, 591 Brennan Rd., Sudbury Friday, November 16th, 2012 at 10am. Entombment in the Civic Cemetery Mausoleum. To light a memorial candle, flowers, or messages of condolences available on-line at www.lougheed.org