Ernest 'Rusty' Gentile
Born In: Sydney
Born: April 20th, 1936
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: January 24th, 2016
On Jan. 24, 2016, surrounded by love, Ernest 'Rusty' Gentile passed away in the An Cala Pallative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Rusty was born on April 20, 1936, to Frank and Adele Gentile.
Growing up in the shipyard, he loved to play hockey, swim and play in Moxham's Castle (his father was the caretaker of the castle for many years).
Rusty is survived by his brother, Normie and predeceased by his sister, Lucy; brothers, Humbie, Lovell 'Shorty', Frank 'Frenchie', Billy and Arthur.
Rusty is also survived by his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth 'Betty' and children, Ray (Donna), Yellowknife, Jan (Doug), Halifax and Patti (Ian), Halifax, as well as the apple of his eye, his granddaughter, Brynn.
Growing up we always heard two things about our Dad, "He is the nicest guy you will ever meet" and "He is tough as nails”. No truer words could be used to describe him. He was also an avid story teller. He could tell a story like no one else and his attention to detail was a gift. Heaven just got a little more entertaining. Dad could build and fix anything. He built our family cottage in Indian Brook. This is a special spot for the family and will always remain as his legacy for many summers to come. He had a 35 year career with Nova Scotia Power, most of it as a field supervisor. He took great pride in his job of constructing transmission lines across the province of Nova Scotia. After retiring, dad started his own business "Rusty Gentile's Window Cleaning." He became famous for hanging off the tallest buildings in Sydney.
As per Dad's wishes there will be no funeral or visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care of Sydney Memorial Chapel. The family will hold a celebration of his life on a beautiful summer day at the cottage in Indian Brook.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kajetanowicz, Dr. Butler and the amazing nurses and volunteers at the An Cala Pallative Care Unit. A special thanks to the staff of the VON Adult Day Program, where Dad spent many enjoyable days. Special thanks to our family and friends who supported us and continue to support us during this difficult time. We would also like to thank Dad's friend, Gary MacLeod for always being a true friend to Dad.
If you wish to make a donation in Dad's memory, please consider Hospice Cape Breton http://hospicecapebreton.org/
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
