Antonio Deo

Antonio Deo, known by friends and family as Emilio.
July 8, 1929 - December 22, 2014

Emilio passed away peacefully at the Etobicoke General Hospital on Monday, December 22, 2014 with his wife Giuseppina Deo at his side. Emilio, beloved father of Joseph and Mario, beloved grandfather of David, Christian, Emilio, Francesco and Julia, and revered father-in-law of Caroline and Angela, has left a void in our hearts and lives. Dear brother of the late Rino Deo, brother-in-law of Antonietta Deo and uncle of Joseph Deo. Emilio was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2003, which ultimately led to his death.

Born in San Gregorio Magno, Salerno, Italy, son of Maria Alberghetti and Giuseppe Deo, Emilio began his work at an early age as an auto mechanic in Rome with his brother Rino. When his brother moved to Canada in 1955, Emilio purchased a vehicle, one of the first in his hometown. With this vehicle, Emilio introduced the first local taxi/limousine service. The undertaking was successful and Emilio purchased a second, better vehicle for his business. Shortly thereafter, an accident on a treacherous, mountain road was so severe that the car was beyond repaired. No insurance was available at the time, and there were no funds to replace the lost vehicle. Emilio's brother Rino called from Canada and suggested that he emigrate to Canada for a short time to earn enough money to re-purchase a new vehicle and re-generate his business. Emilio arrived in Halifax, Canada in 1959 aboard the Andrea Doria at Pier 21. However, Emilio never permanently returned to Italy. Instead, he called for his wife and two children to join him in Canada, which they did in January 1960.

Initially life was very difficult in Canada; there was no social assistance. However, Emilio worked hard as an auto mechanic, and through sacrifice and saving, his family enjoyed enduring beautiful memories. In 1977, Emilio and his family opened “Deo Department Store”, which operated successfully until its closing in 2010. Emilio and Giuseppina (Josie), were fortunate to spend this time together in business, with the help of their sons, Mario and Joe, who fondly remember the many milestones and experiences with their parents at, “the store.” Emilio was infinitely proud of Joseph becoming a teacher and Mario graduating as a lawyer. Both sons credit their father’s encouragement and mentorship in their success. Mario always wondered how his father, an auto mechanic, provided him with the most poignant and timely advice on how to run a law practice. Likewise, to Joe, Emilio provided tremendous encouragement for, and acknowledgement, of his efforts and success as a teacher.

His love for his brother Rino was infinite and he always remembered him fondly. Emilio was a great storyteller, and often spoke about his father and mother as they struggled in post-war Italy to survive and flourish. His stories about the family vineyard were memorable, especially when his family travelled there when he was a child, to avoid the Allied bombings. He often told the story of counting seven hundred Allied planes flying overhead to their targets and of the fear that never left his consciousness. His love of humorous storytelling was memorable and will be one of the things we will miss the most.

Emilio’s devotion to his wife, children and family was indescribable. He often and loudly expressed his love to his wife, whom he referred to as “Tesò!” (Tesoro), - short for precious jewel. This was one of the last words he spoke. He will be eternally loved, revered and missed.

Though proud of his Italian heritage and beginnings, he was fiercely Canadian. He encouraged his children to be mindful of their Italian roots, but to always be Canadian forever. Emilio’s wish was to be buried in Canada.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Society, Canadian Diabetes Association or to the hospital charity of your choosing would be appreciated by the family.