Armando Simeoni

It is with great sadness that we, the family of Armando Simeoni, announce his passing on March 8th, 2018, with his family by his side. He peacefully returned to the Creator at 97 years of age. Armando was a husband, father (Pupa), Nonno, Bisnonno, and affectionately known as "Il Furlan".

He was born on January 28, 1921 to Caterina and Riccardo Simeoni, in the little hamlet of Pignano in north eastern Italy, adjacent to the beautiful city of San Daniele del Friuli, situated at the foot of the Italian Alps.  Armando lost his father when he was four years of age, and he and his sister were raised by their mother.

In 1941 Armando joined the Italian military and was proudly selected as an Alpino, the elite mountain soldiers of the Italian army. Armando was a member of the Battalion Gemona, and his division, the Julia, saw combat duty in Greece, France and Albania.  In 1943 Armando became a Prisoner of War and sent to England. There he worked on a farm and developed a strong bond with the family he was assigned to. In 1946 Armando returned home to Italy and met his future wife of 69 years, Eni.  The devastation to their beautiful homeland prompted Armando and Eni to leave family and friends behind in order to seek a better life. Armando, Eni and their eldest son Riccardo arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax on December 16, 1951. They eventually made their way to Fort William where they were blessed with five more children.

His working career in Canada began in 1952 with Cargill Grain Limited where he was a dedicated employee (millwright) for 35 years. Armando and Eni were proud East Enders and raised their family on Hargrave St.  It was here that they opened up their home to young Italian immigrants.  Armando readily assumed the role as "mentor" and his encouragement helped these young men adjust to living in Canada.  With his guidance, they found employment as well as established successful businesses.  To this day, many of these boarders are still considered family.

His keen sense of humour, love of Italian music, culture and an appreciation of friends and family ensured many good times and memories at the Simeoni home. Armando had a quest for knowledge and was very well read.  He anxiously awaited the delivery of the daily paper and readily shared his opinions on current events and politics. Armando was a dedicated family man who wholeheartedly worked for the benefit of his family. Whether it was working on his own home or one of his children's home, no task was too big for his boundless energy; hard work was an honour.

Armando could always be counted on to provide sound and direct advice. He was a man of principle and values and he instilled these qualities to his family. He remained committed to his Christian faith, became a proud Canadian while never forgetting his Italian roots.  He always taught us to do what is right rather than what is convenient or popular. Armando was blessed with good health up until his debilitating stroke 14 months ago. Armando was a proud member of the Principe di Piemonte Society, La Famee Furlane, Il Gruppo Alpino, Thunder Bay (Armando era un reduce della seconda guerra mondiale 1939 to 1945), St. Dominic Church Seniors' Club, and had many interests including woodworking, gardening, winemaking, bowling, and bocce. Our patriarch may be gone but his life lessons will be continued and never forgotten.

Armando was predeceased by his lifelong love Eni on August 27, 2016 and recently by his son-in-law, Kenny Tysoski. Armando is survived by  his six children: Riccardo(Rosanne), Robert(Debbie), Rino(Linda) Simeoni: daughters, Angela Carter-Tysoski, Valeria(Blake) Cameron, Elizabeth(Jeff) Whitney, grandchildren Armando(Crystal) Simeoni, Matthew(Allison) Simeoni, Sheila (Jeff) Cordileone, Michael(Andrea) Simeoni, Krista and Kaley Simeoni, Lanna(Kyle), Sarah(Scott), Laura(Tyler)Carter, Leah and Scott Cameron, Emma, Julia and Luke Whitney.  He is also survived by great grandchildren Chiara, Niko, Alivia, Nole, Nicole, Maya, Evan and Alex.

We would like to thank all the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital for the loving care he was given during his stay. We also thank Leanne Lance for her dedication, special friendship and love towards Armando especially during the last few challenging years.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday March 13th, 2018 at 11:00AM at St Dominic's Roman Catholic Church; visitation with family will begin at 10:00 AM. Services will be complete in the church. As per Armando's wishes, there will be a private entombment.  In lieu of flowers, the family graciously requests donations to St. Joseph's Foundation for St. Joseph's Hospital.