Antonio Groppo

Antonio “Tony” Groppo

02-05-1950 to 25-10-2024

On the evening of Friday October 25th 2024, in his favourite recliner watching sports with his family Tony took his last breath. He bravely battled cancer and was as stubborn as possible until his last day. During his battle he would often say he lives day by day and we will take his advice as we navigate our world without him in it.

Husband of 48 years to Donna, Father to LauraLeigh and Katrina. Nonno to Mason. Brother to Peter (Lisa). Uncle to Gabe, Nick, Michael and Michelle. Brother in law to David. Cousin, family member and friend to many.

Tony lived life to the fullest, was a proud Hamiltonian and was often found with a beer or a shot of whiskey.

When Tony married Donna (dingbat) they settled into their family home in Hamilton Ontario and built a life together. Tony was adamant that his final day would be spent in his home and although none of us knew that specific day was his final day, he got his wish and his family by his side.

Tony loved being a girl dad and he loved even more that his girls played and watched sports with him. He was Coach Tony to many. He also loved musicals and figure skating and if one of those events came to Hamilton he would bring his girls. He supported his daughters in every aspect of their lives.

Tony also loved being a Nonno to Mason. Building a track and playing trains, colouring and sorting hockey cards were some favorite past times.

Tony loved his vacations in Cuba. His daughter LauraLeigh can still remember the look on his face at the airport in Cuba when he was offered two beers for $5! The memories made have stood the test of time and are still talked about today. Feta makes it betta - iykyk

He loved watching LauraLeigh throughout her radio, tv and arena announcing career and wouldn’t hesitate to tell anyone at an event that he was her dad.

He also would take his daughter Katrina and his honorary daughter Ashleigh to Toronto to watch the Backstreet Boys and without cellphones in hand, some how find them at the end of the concerts and hear all about it on the ride home.

Camping with your brother was something you looked forward to and we looked forward to hearing what item you’d forgot, as you always forgot something ie like your sleeping bag or the Coleman stove! You also loved going to Peter’s to watch a soccer or hockey game and spending time together in the backyard.

Italia soccer is a Groppo lifestyle and watching them play, win or lose, it was a family affair. Forza Azzurri. Michael - it meant a lot to Tony that you made the time to be with him and watch those games with your uncle.

He loved to ski and travelled to do so, taking the time to buy a postcard and mailing them home to his daughters.

He loved to fish with his father in law, ride his bike, play baseball and soccer, watch soccer - go Juve, all music and looked forward to Justin downsizing his closet and giving hand me downs to his father in law.

Oh did Tony love pets. Whiskey was our first family pet and he loved that cat. When your daughters brought home a dog and you saw our beagle Gracie, shrugged your shoulders and said okay. You met your soul dog Ruby and we are certain she is with you on a walk around the block right now. Holly was only in your life for a year but she loved her dad.

You were a hard worker and retired on your 65th birthday from Samuel Kent. While at work Tony often made time to bake cookies for his co workers.

After retirement you would walk Ruby and collect beer cans and made new friends along the way. At home you were often found with a sudoku in hand or sleeping by the tv.

In honour of Tony, please celebrate his life with us on Sunday November 10 2024, at Knights of Columbus 222 Queenston road. 1-3p is a public drop in with a private immediate family reception to follow.

To remember him please bring an empty beer can and we will return them to the beer store one last time in his name.