Obituary of Albino Romeo Zanatta
The family of Albino Romeo Zanatta are profoundly sad to announce that their husband and father, known as “Al” or “Bino”, died peacefully at home, , surrounded by his family, in his 99th year.
Al was born on April 5, 1926 in Coniston, Ontario, a small mining town outside of Sudbury, to Amabile and Eugenio Zanatta. He loved Coniston. He never forgot his roots, often waxing lyrical of his depression era upbringing and throughout his life worked hard to maintain a connection with friends and family in the area. He would be the first to tell you of his prowess as an athlete. We can confirm that, although small in stature, as a youth he was an excellent hockey, baseball and tennis player. He always added that he was the best and most beloved of batboys for the local senior teams.
After graduating from the U of T School Of Engineering, he moved to Fort Erie, accepting a position with Horton Steel Works, where he worked as a contract manager for 38 years. It was in Fort Erie that he met and married Eleanor Clara, his dancing partner for the next 73 years, with whom he raised six children. The country is dotted with hundreds of water towers and oil tanks that he helped construct and he would proudly show these off to his children whenever they happened to drive by. As a young father in the Crescent Park community he was actively engaged in coaching minor hockey and baseball and was one of the key drivers in the establishment of the Ferndale Centennial Park.
Upon his first retirement he embarked on, what turned out to be, a second career spanning 25 plus years as a starter and marshall for the Bridgewater Country Club, a job which he enjoyed immensely as it provided ample opportunity to engage people with his easy-going gregarious personality. Additionally, Al continued giving back to the community, serving as an executive member of Fort Erie’s Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, as well he was the sole male member of the Women’s Douglas Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. For his service, he was recognized with an award as the Senior Citizen of the Year in 2014.
Being a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Parish and the Knights of Columbus, he took to heart the teachings of the church to visit the sick and feed the poor
As the oldest of six siblings, he was the patriarch of the Zanatta family. Intensely proud and protective of his family, he was its head cheerleader and mentor. He instilled in his children the importance of integrity, tolerance and compassion. Al was always there providing courage, guidance and direction in both good and difficult times. However, in his last few months he did modify his directions to family to “strong recommendations” We will all miss that guidance.
In addition to his wife, Eleanor he is survived by his children Noreen, Dan (Molly), Roy (Kaye), Tony (Danuta), Anida Morga and Deanna. Beloved Nonno and Grandpa to 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Hi will be missed by his brother Frank of Copper Cliff and Allan of Brighton and a host of nieces and nephews from both the Clara and Zanatta families. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Severo and Gene and his sister Dina Chomyshyn.
The family would like to express their thanks to Dr Che and staff for all their support and compassionate care over the years.
Benner Funeral Services has been entrusted with arrangements. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday August 28 from 6-8. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, August 29 at 11:00 a.m. As an expression of sympathy, donations may to made to St. Michael’s Knights of Columbus or St. Vincent de Paul Societies.
