The church was filled with love for you from family and friends today Nonno. You would of been so happy to see all our relatives again. We can all agree it is so nice to see them again because it brings such happiness and so much laughter. You should of seen Nonna with Aunt Rosie Nonno. They were so cute, like little girl sister's, holding hands and giggling. I'm glad Nonna has such great people in her life to help support her in this time. It's going to be tough on all of us as you were so pivotal.You did good Nonno, you gave your family a great life, with great opportunities.Your life really was special and it shows through all of us that you have left behind. I gotta tell you Nonno those sons of yours are something special. I was so proud of them both the way they never left your side at the hospital and the way they look after their mom. You dont see that real often anymore and I tell you their love for you and Nonna is sure admirable. You and Nonna did a great job instilling strong family values in all of us but it sure shone through when things in life got tough.
It's going to take some time to get use to you not being around the table and at all these family functions. Today I remembered how you always looked at me and made this sound with you cheek kinda like "are you good?" gesture.Im going to miss your presence Nonno. I hope you know you meant the world to me, even if I wasnt around as often as I could or should of been. I was talking to Brycen about his birthday and he was going through everyone who would be there and he asked about you. I know you'll be there in spirit Nonno, I have felt you alot since you passed. Stay close Nonno, I keep telling the kids they have a real special Nonno angel now!
I LOVE YOU NONNO!
I have attached my eulogy Nonno just so I never forget it!
Domenico Ricciuto
April 7th 1924 - March 18th 2011
Henry James once said, Sorrow comes in great waves…but it rolls over us, and though it may almost smother us it leaves us on the spot and we know that if it is strong we are stronger in as much as it passes and we remain.
My Nonno never liked to be the center of attention. If he were here with us now, he would want us to take the focus off him and put it on us. He would not want us to focus on the sadness of his death, but instead look at the happiness we still have in our lives. He would want us to look at each other and appreciate what we have together and what we hope to make better.
I have much consolation in the good feelings my memories give me. I remember when I was a little girl, having sleepovers at Nonna and Nonno’s house. We used to play scopa and war, we would play outside in the back yard, smell the flowers and pick fruit off the trees that he had grown. We used to feast on salami and ice cream late at night.
I remember walks to Zellers to buy slowpokes and willowcrisps and trips to the farm to show us all the bunnies which later on would became dinner.
I remember every holiday season and family dinner, Nonno was always the one telling us to “mange mange” and to drink more vino. We would fill our bellies and listen to his wonderful stories of the olden days. He always made sure we left stuffed and he always reminded us we were always welcome to come over and to never become a stranger.
Nonno always loved having kids near by, he was always so happy when we were around and that made us feel good inside. I can see that my dad got his fun loving spirit from Nonno. He was a great teacher to have, not only for my dad and us, but also for everybody. He was selfless and kind. He loved being a parent and grandparent and he was so good at it as it came so natural to him.
When I had my own kids he always loved to play with them. He use to always tell me how much he looked forward to walking with both of them, holding their hand in his and walking side by side. Both my kids were fortunate enough to be able to do that with him. Nonno’s laugh was infectious, he always had a light heart and a smile in his eyes. He had a lust for life that was admirable to anyone who knew him.
Nonno I will miss your laughter and your carefree way about you. I will miss you at the cottage and at the dinner table to remind us we can always pack back more food.
You were a wonderful role model in my life and a the best nonno I could ever have asked for.
One day we will see you again and be sure to leave a seat at the grand ole poker table you are sitting at for us. In the meantime the memories we have made will stay etched in our hearts and fresh in our minds forever.
Till we meet again Nonno
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