Antonio Barbuto

In Memory of

Antonio Barbuto

March 5, 1935-July 9, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing, with his children by his side, of a dear dad, husband, brother and Nonno at the age of 86, at the Timmins and District Hospital Hospice on Friday July 9th, 2021.

Antonio is predeceased by his wife Rose in 2001; his parents Salvatore and Maria Barbuto of Italy; his brother Pasquale and his in laws Pietro and Cecilia Garito, all of South Porcupine.

He is survived by his loving children Sam, Maria Barbuto Kingsbury (Gerry), Peter (Jackie) of Kitchener-Waterloo, Mario (Chrissy), Cecilia D’Angelo (Frank) and Tony (Debra).  Cherished Nonno of Connor, Jacob, Talia, Joshua, Tiana, Gabriella, Gracie, Jayden, Katie, Alexis and Nikolas.

Antonio also leaves behind his brothers Rocco (Antoinetta), Nicola and their families in Italy; his sisters Maria Denaro (late Giuseppe) and Rosa Lambert (Tony) and their families in Toronto; his sister in laws and brother in laws: Barbara Barbuto and Franca Flaminio (Vito) and their families in South Porcupine; Maria Chiaravallotti (late Tony); Maria Garito (late Tony); late Dominic Garito (late Julie); Sandy Garito (Rita) and all their families in the Toronto area.

Antonio was born in Gagliato, Catanzaro, Italy in the region of Calabria.  He came to Canada in 1953, after he received a call from his brother Pasquale to come to South Porcupine to work.  Dad worked in a little area near Smooth Rock Falls called Foxville for ONR, where he learned to speak Cree and he taught others to speak English.  A few years later, he was approached and asked if he wanted to work on the railroad as a Supervisor.  Dad began his career at Texasgulf as a Railroad Supervisor for 25 years until his retirement.  Dad took pride in his work and his crew, going into work in the late hours to fix a derailed train.

Coming from an Italian family, we had the traditions of making home made tomato puree sauce, sausages, dried cacciatore hanging in the cantina, to crushing grapes to make his famous wine which he would proudly share with others.  Our backyard was more of a garden. He kept our family busy getting truckloads of fire wood with his sons for the woodstove which he proudly bragged when it came to his electric bill on how much money he saved.  Blueberry picking and mushroom picking was a hobby enjoyed when relatives came to visit from down south.

Dad and Mom were our cheerleaders as they would come out regularly and watch us play our soccer games.  It always ended with a trip to Tim Horton’s for some doughnuts which back then were less than $5.00 a dozen.  We think it was more for him than us.

Dad was known for his famous whistle to call us kids home for dinner.  He loved to cook and sing “O Solo Mio; Volare or Arrivedeci Roma” with such a beautiful voice and always invite people to come in and eat.  You can always find Dad sitting in the driveway relaxing, watching the cars go by and talking to people.  Sometimes, he would offer them a glass of wine and share stories from the “ old country” about the farm, his animals and the food they grew on the family farm.  Memorable drives to Big Water Lake in the old station wagon, seeing the buffalos at Kidd Creek Met site especially when relatives would visit, to taking a drive for some ice cream near Nighthawk Bridge were stories us kids, shared with others growing up.

Pa, you are a tough and determined man.  You pushed your way through everything with your health these last few months.  You never complained and always said “itta takea time”.  We want to “THANK YOU” PA.  You came here to Canada with nothing.  You worked hard to make a life for yourself and your family.  You personally built us a beautiful home in Porcupine and showed us how to take pride in our work and carry on such wonderful traditions.  With that, thank you so much!  We love you and we will miss you so much! Give MA a big kiss and hug from all of us!

The family would like to thank others during our dads journey over the last year:  the PSW’s who cared for dad while he continued to live at home: Liz/Darlene/Diane/Pauline; staff at Spruce Hill Lodge and staff at Extendicare Big Water Lake floor; Dr. Ditullio at Extendicare, Dr. Paul Armstrong, Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Schwertfeger at TDH and the caring nurses at TDH hospice.  A Special THANK YOU to our Hospice Angel Nurse and dad’s daughter in law, Chrissy Barbuto.  Thank you so much for helping us through this challenging time.  I know Dad really appreciated your presence and care for him.  It means a lot to us that you were there for him and us, Our Family.

In lieu of flowers, Remembrance donations to the Diabetes Association: Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated. 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday July 15th, 2021 at St. Joachim’s Parish in South Porcupine.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday July 14th, 2021 at Stinson Funeral Home. 100 Bruce Avenue, South Porcupine.  www.stinsonfuneralhome.net

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