Hector Arthur Sr. DiPersio
Passed on: December 31st, 2017
A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. It is with loving and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our father, beloved husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and cherished friend. Dad passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the CBRH with his devoted, loving faith filled family at his side. Dad was our rock. We admire and celebrate Dad’s unwavering strength and courage to be able to totally surrender to the Lord. He was not only our rock but he was a rock to many others in need, he was a rock of support to those who were facing critical issues, he was a rock full of caring and on New Years Eve he was a rock that recognized that he was experiencing a most difficult time and sought his own rock, “Our Lord”. Although death is sad, it was a beautiful moment to witness such strength, courage and deep faith. What a gift you have given us, Dad.
Dad came into this world with a plan to do great things on February 24, 1936 in Sydney Mines, NS. He was the youngest son of the late Rosario and Secondina DiPersio.
He is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 59 years, Rebecca (Bunnie) Pero of Florence. Mom was an amazing wife to our Dad. She provided him a life of unconditional and constant love, blessings and prayers which contributed to his positive attitude, strong will and determination to live each day to the fullest. Mom always told us that Dad was her number one priority. What an amazing example of true love you have given us to follow.
Dad is survived by his much loved children, Hector Jr. (Pamela), Alicia (Gerry) and Paul (Kim) all of Sydney Mines, NS; five beautiful grandchildren, Ryan, Paul Ryan, Neil, Rebecca, and Jenny; one great-grandchild, Madison and an unborn great-grandchild expected to arrive in July 2018. Dad is also survived by brother, Bruno (Rose), Barra Head, NS; sisters, Doreen Latwaitis and Ida Lyle, Sydney Mines, NS, Sr. Anne DiPersio (Sisters of Charity) Halifax, NS and many nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Jim (Frances) Pero, Sydney Mines, NS and sister-in-law, Violet DiPersio, North Sydney, NS and Elva King Boston, USA.
Dad was a faith full member of Holy Family Parish, Sydney Mines, NS as well as a long time lecturer and member of the greeting committee. .
Dada attended Notre Dame High School, Sydney Mines as well as University at Xavier Junior College and St. F. X. University.
Dad had a very successful working career with Household Financial Corporation as a Financial Manager for 33 years. After retiring in 1991, Dad went to work at BCA Holdings Limited in Sydney, NS as General Manager for 6 years. He truly enjoyed working closely with Fr. Greg MacLeod, a long time friend.
Dad has been a very involved individual within his Community and beyond. He has been a driving force in the former town of Sydney Mines and the North Side area with regard to community development while having a direct involvement (along with many board members and community minded people) in the founding of our local Sydney Mines & District Community Center, Miners Memorial Manor (in cooperation with the former
North side Harborview Hospital Foundation), North Side Homemakers Services and the Sydney Mines Kinsmen Day Care Center.
Dad served with distinction as Mayor of the Town of Sydney Mines for 6 years,
He was a Past President of the Cape Breton Industrial Board of Trade, former
General Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Industrial Cape Breton,
Past Governor for the Kinsmen Association of Atlantic Canada, Past National Public Relations Director for the Kinsmen Association of Canada, Life Member of the Kinsmen Association of Canada, Honorary Fire Chief, Sydney Mines Fire Department, Past Chair of Board of Directors of Harborview Hospital Foundation, Sydney Mines.
Served as Chairman of the Board of Directors Sydney Mines & District Community Ctr. 30 Years, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Miners Memorial Manor, Sydney Mines, 25 Years, Chairman of the Board of Directors North Side Homemakers Services – 25 Years, Vice Chair of Sydney Mines Kinsmen Day Care 25 Years,
Dad worked tirelessly in the promoting of Princess Credit Union both locally and provincially on various committees as well as serving as President of Princess Credit Union Limited, Sydney Mines for 25 years. Hector’s financial background and highly capable abilities have been instrumental in the growth and stability of the Credit Union.
Dad also was very involved in the Knights of Columbus, Council 2024 Sydney Mines, as Past Grand Knight and most recently Financial Secretary for the past 25 years.
As well at the State Level, Hector was a past State District Deputy for 2 years, also serving as State Chairman for State Membership, Church, Retention, and Community Committees. Dad was a long-time Member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, Father William MacLeod, Assembly.Member for the Royal Canadian Legion and Northern Yacht Club – for 23 & 30 years respectively. One thing that Dad felt a real passion for was the history of Sydney Mines, most notably “The Old Post Office”. As Mayor, along with the Councillors of the day the “Centennial Project Town of Sydney Mines” was undertaken. He was a driving force to ensure that this heritage building was revitalized and restored so as to remain a lasting legacy to the community of Sydney Mines.
Besides his parents, Dad was predeceased by brothers, Merino, Pat and Hank DiPersio; as well as sister, Mary Latwaitis. Dad was also predeceased by brothers-in-law, Dick, Alex, Basil, Raymond, Jack and Lorne Pero, Greg Latwaitis, John Lawaitis, Alex Lyle and Cas Coady; sisters-in-law, Lillian DiPersio, Mae Ivey, Eileen Moore, Millie Coady; as well as father and mother-in-law, John and Rebecca Pero.
The family would like to take this opportunity to express our sincerest gratitude to the continuing care staff, VON, Jackie Devoe PT and Bernice, Wanda, Dr. MacMullin and Dr. Naqui of the wound clinic for their constant care, encouragement and compassion. To Dr. Paul Morrison and the nursing staff of the CCU department, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your professional and excellent care, support and understanding that provided much comfort to our family knowing Dad was in “good hands”. Also to Dad’s family physician Dr. Peter Poulos, thank you for treating Dad with such kindness and respect while always providing excellent care.
Visitation for Hector will be held on Wednesday January 3, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at J. M. Jobes Funeral Home 635 Main St., Sydney Mines, NS.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Holy Family Parish Church Main Street Sydney Mines, NS with Fr. James Oliver officating.
Interment to take place at a later date.
Donations in Memory of Hector may be made to the Miners Memorial Manor or The North Side Homemakers Service Society.
Online condolences may be made to www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my race and I have kept my faith”
