79, of St. Catharines, ON passed away on February 16th, 2021, at home with his family. Born in Limosano, Campobasso, Molise, Italy on October 27th, 1941, he was the son of the late Gennaro and Teresina (Bonadie) Giancola.
Antonio lost his father when he was fourteen years old. He worked hard to assist his mother, sister and brother with operating their family farm in Italy. He married his wife, Angelina DelGobbo, 60 years ago, on February 16, 1961. He relocated to the Niagara Region with his mother and brother in search of a better life and future in Canada, while his wife, sister and brother-in-law tended to their farm back in Italy. A year later, his wife joined Antonio in Niagara where they lived together with his mother and brother. They had four children: Mary, Gino, Tony and John. Antonio was employed by Rankin Construction Inc. (formerly Stephens & Rankin Construction Inc. and originally D.L. Stephens Contracting Ltd.). He worked as a construction Foreman for approximately 45 years where he specialized in concrete work. He was a master of the art of concrete finishing work. He enjoyed, respected, and valued working with his crews that he treated like his family. Antonio frequently reminisced about his life at work with his family and friends. He truly loved his job and he admired and respected his bosses: Dave Stephens and Tom Rankin. His loyalty, dedication and commitment to the company helped build it to prosperity and growth in the Niagara Region. Antonio was very proud of their accomplishments and he cherished being one of the longest serving employees.
Antonio also enjoyed all stages of organic gardening at home, especially the harvest. He also helped many of his family and friends with home construction projects. He always found time to volunteer at local community events and to assist with the Feast of the Assumption at Holy Rosary Church.
Antonio was diagnosed 4 years ago with Stage 4 Lung and Liver Cancer and doctors gave him 3 months to live. He fought a courageous, valiant battle with cancer, but you would never know it as he never complained and did everything he wanted to do. Working on his home garden vegetables, fruit and fig trees was his passion and pain management therapy. He loved to eat his own fresh organic produce. He was a devoted husband and father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Antonio took great pride in his family, especially his grandchildren. He was so much fun to be around from the huge family parties, meals, homemade wine and soppressata to the crazy fireworks displays, playing the accordion as the master of entertainment, singing and dancing, and the good times playing briscola and scopa after a dinner espresso and a biscotti or cannoli. We used to love asking him to do keep-ups and juggle the soccer ball where his version always concluded with a powerful kick of the ball up into the sky. He lived every day to the fullest with undying love and support for his family. He will always be remembered as a very courageous, strong-willed, family man with the heart of a lion, and deep faith in Christ.
Antonio is survived by his wife Angelina Giancola, daughter Mary (Joe) Gracan, sons Gino (Maria), Tony (Katrina), John (Lisette), and six grandchildren, Nicholas Gracan, Mark Gracan, Matthew Giancola, Michael Giancola, Anthony Giancola, and Giulian Giancola; and several other extended family members. Antonio is predeceased by his father Gennaro Giancola, his mother Teresina (Bonadie) Giancola, his sister Maria (Giuseppe) Giancola-DelGobbo, and his brother Donato (Sandra) Giancola. The family would appreciate any donations to the Walker Family Cancer Centre at the St. Catharines General Hospital.
Relatives and friends will be received by appointment at Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, 2 Regent Street, Thorold on Sunday, February 21, 2021 from 9:00-11:00 AM, 1:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM by appointment only. Please call 905-227-0161 to make your appointment. Attendance will be monitored to maintain capacity and physical distancing for health and safety of our staff and guests. All guests attending the visitation must bring and wear a mask.