June 30, 1947 - January 28, 2025
In loving memory ~
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of the strong patriarch of the Morabito clan, Tony Morabito.
Tony was born on June 30, 1947, in Bruzzano Zeffrio, Italy, the oldest of 5 children of Bruno and Vittoria. Bruno left Italy in 1951 for a better life in Canada. Tony, his brother Frank and his mom moved from Bruno's parents' home to Vittoria's parents' home for the last year before heading to Canada by boat in 1952 to join Bruno. Tony talked about having to care for his brother even though he was only 5 years old because his mom became so ill. Although times were tough when they came, he had many stories of a great childhood.
Even though Tony left high school early to work, he always had an interest in learning new things. He was an extremely hard-working man that continued working after retirement and into his seventies.
After taking a heavy equipment operator course in the USA, he went back there to try to get friends to go with him to Expo 67 in Montreal. He never made it to Montreal, but met the love of his life, Ila Mae in Illinois. They were married Dec. 2, 1967, and he brought her and his new daughter, Kerri to Canada in August 1968.
Tony always valued hard work and was employed by many companies over his lifetime, usually operating a grader or other heavy equipment. He worked for the Department of Highways, Evans, Louisiana Pacific, Speers Construction and operated Morabito Contracting as well.
Tony enjoyed many things, but his top priority was his wife of 57 years, his children, grandchildren and extended family. Everyone called him the Godfather because he kept in regular contact with all branches of the extended family and valued his time spent with each and every one. He was the glue that kept the family together and especially liked our many family dinners, reunions, and weddings. He was so excited when he became a great grandfather and recently was able to meet her. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and tried to catch as many of their various sports and activities as he could.
Besides skiing, coffee with friends and hunting, he especially loved to fish. He spent amazing times fishing with his grandchildren, cousins, siblings, nephews and friends. Tony also loved hockey and passed his love of the sport and the Vancouver Canucks to his children. He coached Joe in Minor Hockey with the highlight being when they won the Provincials at the Midget level. In 1993, along with a few friends and his own money, he started the community owned Junior B team, the Revelstoke Grizzlies.
Tony was "Revelstoke" through and through and he didn't want to ever live anywhere else. He always looked for ways to improve and give back to the community including helping Speers to get the helipad put in at the hospital. He had many more things he wanted to help get completed including a CT machine for QVH.
Sadly, he was predeceased by his parents Bruno and Vittoria, brother Jim, sister-in-law Ann, nephew Brad and in-laws Alvin and Viola.
Tony is survived by his wife; Ila Mae, 3 children; Kerri (Rob), Vittoria (Nelson), Joseph (Jensine) 6 grandchildren; Derek (Melissa), Donovan, Isabella (Caden), Domonic, Mikala, Blake (Marie-Eve), 1 Great grandchild; Makenna, and 4 step grandchildren; Austen, Jimmy, Jaden, Eva, 3 Siblings; Frank (Susan), Mary (Mike), Stino (Deani) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins he was very close to.
The family would like to send thanks to the doctors, nurses and support staff at QVH, especially Dr. Molder and nurse Shannon. Also, thanks to the pharmacy staff at Pharmasave for going above and beyond. We appreciate you all.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:30 A.M with Father Jim McHugh Celebrant.
Pallbearers will be:
Domonic Morabito John Morabito
Derek Miskiman Michael Makara
Donovan Miskiman Scott Morabito
Blake Morabito Justin Morabito
Memorial tributes may be made to The Revelstoke District Health Foundation PO Box 2421 Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.bowersfuneralservice.com