ANTONIO PANZA (TONY)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ANTONIO PANZA
March 24, 1940 – November 1, 2022

Born in Celico, Consenza, Italy.
Predeceased by his parents and six siblings, Tony is survived by his wife Maria, daughters Pamela and Melissa in Kelowna, as well as his daughters Tina Miller (Paul) and Sandra Romani (Mike), their mother Nina and grandchildren Aidan and Isabella. He is also survived by his sister Maria Bevacqua in Germany and many nieces and nephews in Italy, Germany, France and Canada.
Dad immigrated to Winnipeg in the early 1960s where he began a career at CP Rail as an electrician. He received accolades during his time with the railway for inventing a floating clamp which eliminated wear and tear on the motor cables of diesel engines, and to this day continues to be used in vehicles. Dad was always the first one there when anyone needed help - day or night. Our phone would ring and no matter the time he would grab his tools and head out the door. He could always be counted on in any capacity, but fixing stoves was his specialty. Dad taught us to always unplug small appliances when not in use, which we still do to this day! In 1972 Dad dabbled in real estate and knocked on the door of a home in Westwood that wasn't even for sale, but was in the perfect proximity to all three levels of school. He ended up purchasing that house to raise his family and worked hard to be able to afford a neighbourhood he couldn't afford to live in - all because he wanted his girls to live in a safe neighbourhood with good schools. Education was very important to him. Dad worked two jobs in order to make this happen. He sacrificed so much for his family and was not afraid to work hard. Dad instilled a strong work ethic and never missed a day of work. He was dedicated and appreciative of the opportunities he received in this country and never took them for granted. Dad was ahead of the health food trend. He was eating dandelion greens, ingesting kombucha, apple cider vinegar and millet in the 1970s long before it was fashionable. Dad had a great passion for languages and for his music club "Los Amigos" and he loved to dance. He was very curious and loved to learn. We have no doubt had he been given the opportunity he would have been a great academic. He loved to travel and in 1994 Dad moved to Kelowna where he was able to enjoy his retirement and travel with Maria, Pamela and Melissa. He especially loved trips to Italy, Spain and El Salvador. Dad, we will miss your constant advice, your positive outlook on life and your phone calls that always started with "this is your father, Tony" and ended with "ti raccomando". You will always be in our hearts because there you are still alive. We love you Dad.
Cremation has taken place and as per Dad's wishes a private family gathering will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2022