Obituary of Tony Pio Collini

COLLINI, Tony Pio - It is with great sorrow the family of Tony Collini announce his passing at St. Catharines General Hospital on Saturday, January 8, 2011, in his 85th year, surrounded by his loving family, from our embrace to God's. A devoted family man, beloved husband of Verna and loving father of Carolyn (Dave Potts), Tony (Irene), Anne (Lou Mierzwa), Joe (Joanna), Maria (Graham Arnott), Vince, and Christina (Grant Fawthrop). Proud Papa of David & Jessica, Julie & Dave, Marianne, Anthony & Bryanne, Michael, Christopher, Natalie, Joseph & Cali, Veronica, Emma, James, John and Jacob, and Great-Grandpa to Annabelle, Lucas, and Avalina. He is survived by two sisters, Amelia Wright and Josephine Uvanile. Special "Unc" to Mary Mullen, Edith Pyle and Lou DeCampo. Pre-deceased by brothers Alessandro, Nicolas and Antonio and sisters Anna, Concetta and Carmella. Tony spread his love for life with all he encountered. He made many friends during a sixty-two year career as St. Catharines' "Master Peddler" delivering fresh produce and homespun philosophy with enthusiasm, retiring at the age of 81. Family and friends will be received for visitation at the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St., on Tuesday 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. and Wednesday 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. Vigil prayers will be said in the funeral home Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. The funeral mass in celebration of Tony's life will be held at St. Alfred's Church, 272 Vine St., 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 13. Rite of committal to follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery, St. Catharines. Memorial donations to the St. Catharines Right to Life Association would be appreciated by the family.