It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Antonio Iadarola passed from this world to the next on June 10th, 2012, with his loving family at his bedside.

He is survived by his devoted wife Rosa, and his children Osvaldo "Ozzie" (Darlene) Iadarola, and Maria (Russell) Cundari. Antonio always took great pleasure in his grandchildren: Nicholas (Vicky) Iadarola, Laura Cundari (Kinji Bourchier), Daniel Iadarola, Nick Cundari, Jenny Cundari, and Andrew Iadarola. He is also survived by his only brother Cresenzio "Chris" Iadarola and many nieces and nephews.

Antonio was predeceased by his mother Maria Iadarola.

Born on May 29th, 1928 in Fragneto Monforte, Benevento, Italy, Antonio led a hard life which made him determined to achieve a better life for himself and his family. In 1951, at 23 years of age, without any knowledge of English and only a small wooden suitcase, he crossed the Atlantic to what he hoped was the promised land of Canada. A job with the CPR awaited him at Albert Canyon, a little hamlet outside of Revelstoke in one of the most dangerous stretches of rail in Canada. With snow so deep that he often dug tunnels from his home to get to work, the wilderness and weather of Canada did not deter him from learning English, being promoted, and eventually saving enough money to marry and bring his lifelong spouse Rosa to Canada. Their love was enduring and would have reached 59 years of marriage this August.

Remembering his own difficulties, Tony helped bring over many relatives to this country and helped them with language, technical issues such as getting a drivers' licence, finding jobs and even settling family problems. Antonio was respected and trusted because of his intelligence and unwavering views of right and wrong. He had little use for those who took liberties with the law, and was intensely proud of his Italian heritage.

Always ambitious, Antonio left the railway and purchased his first store in 1963. Eventually he built a large supermarket on Tranquille Road. Everyone knew Tony's International Supermarket as a place you could buy the best deli meats and cheeses, grapes for wine, imported foods, music and gifts. His store quickly became a meeting place for many Italians and other European immigrants. He was always generous and loyal to family and friends. He extended credit to many families who had difficulty getting started, by simply writing their name on the sales slip and putting it in a drawer.

Even after he retired in 1993, to his comfortable home overlooking the meeting of the rivers and downtown, he continued to maintain a keen intellect and read widely on health, nutrition and current events. His memory was astonishing even in his last days, and his stories of his life were both entertaining and inspirational to his family. All visitors were welcome to sit at his table and share his wine and food. Antonio loved to talk and loved company. But most of all he loved to spend time with his family who will miss him dearly.

Prayers will be recited at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 17, 2012. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cathedral.

Entombment will follow at the Sage Valley Mausoleum, with a reception at the Colombo Hall thereafter.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com

Service arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, 250-374-1454.