Antonio Artuso

Although we never met Tony, there are some people whom you almost feel you know, through experiencing the love and affection that others feel for them. This was the case with Tony, “introduced” through our long friendship with Giovanna, to whom her father was clearly more than “just a parent,” but a loving, special presence in her life. He often came up in conversation, whether it was his fearlessless in store returns, or his gardening, or one of the innumerable ways in which he touched her life. He was a lucky man to have had such loving devotion from children and grandchildren, and to have lived a long, full life, but the void left by his absence will surely be painful in the coming days, weeks and months. We hope that the warm memories of a life well lived will sustain your family through this difficult time ,and provide you with as many laughs and smiles as tears.

(Donated to World Vision)

(Donated to Lung Association)

(Donated to Lung Association)

(Donated to World Vision)

(Donated to Lung Association)

(Donated to Lung Association)

(Donated to Lung Association)

(Donated to Lung Association)

To Patti: I know, Patti, my love, it is sad for you to see your Daddy go. I know you will miss him but he will be so happy with God in Heaven now. I think he is going to be watching over you and your family for now and forever . Your friend, Juan.

Dear Patti, Giovanna, Art and Mrs. Artuso: In grieving the loss of your beloved father (and husband), remember that we grieve with you. Such a beautiful man, a beautiful soul, can't help but affect all of us. Knowing him in person and through the many stories you had told, I believe he had the power of love shining through him each and every day and will live eternally in all of us. Respectfully and thankfully, Jill

February 22, 2011 Thank you Daddy. More than anything I just liked hanging out with you. When I was younger, I adored and followed Art around. As I matured into a young woman I realized you were a pretty interesting guy that could teach me so much. You taught me many practical things, like how to hang a picture so it will never fall off the wall, how to cut the grass and not make a mess, how to make a cement sidewalk that will never crack, how to build a shed that will last for decades, how to assemble anything without an instruction book, how to start a fire that will never die, and how to plant a tree that will grow tall and strong. As I grew from a young girl to a woman, I loved the independence and the self satisfaction from doing these things that any self respecting young man ought to know. Dad you taught me so much more. I watched you live your life with simplicity and joy. You were always happy, content and positive. Your passions and hobbies may have seemed simplistic but I now know they were really the things that matter most in life. You taught me to treat everyone with kindness and respect regardless of their background or status. You taught me not to be shy and to ask for what I need. You told me not to waste time worrying on what others may think. And if something was bothering me you just said, “Forget about it.” Patti and I spent many happy times around the table laughing with you and Mom and enjoying your funny nature. With pride we would often would repeat your stories to our friends. Even shopping with you made me giggle because everywhere we went people knew you by name. Walking into places like Costco or Home Depot you would be greeted with a big smile from an employee saying, “Hi Tony”. Much of my love of fine food and style began with you. When we were only children you taught us to appreciate the taste and smell of a good bottle of olive oil. Now I’m all grown up and I cherish our memories when I savour a great glass of wine or beautifully baked bread. Thank you Daddy for this and so much more. You will be in my heart forever. Our family will always be grateful for you. I miss you already and my heart aches to see you again. Daddy I’m that tree. And thanks to you and Mom I will stand tall and strong. Love Eternally, Giovanna

Art my deepest condolences to you and your family.We had a lot of good times with Tony .I know he will be sadly missed.

Dear Patti, Giovanna & Family Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Although we didn't have the pleasure of meeting your father, we felt his presences through your warmth and in your conversations of him. Those we love live in our hearts forever, as your father will in you.

Art and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Your father was a very proud man and I know that he took a great deal of pleasure in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. May he rest in peace and may you and your family find peace in knowing that he is in a place free from suffering and pain. Blessings to you,your mother and your family.

Anna & Family, May you find comfort in knowing your beloved Tony is resting in peace with the Heavenly Father. We were blessed to have him as a good friend. Tony, gone are your backaches planting gardens. The Heavenly Father has prepared a special garden above for your enjoyment. God Bless You!

Dear Giovanna and family, I am very sorry for the loss of your father. I know you are close with your family and I know what it's like to lose a parent. I share your sadness and offer my sympathies. Cristine Fekete

Dear Artuso Family - Sending you one of my favourite poems that I hope will offer you some comfort and peace: On Death By: Kahlil Gibran You would know the secret of death. But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life? The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light. If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life. For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one. In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond; And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring. Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity. Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour. Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king? Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling? For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered? Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Art, Brad and I would would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We hope your precious memories help ease the sadness and give you strength during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Art, our sincerest condolences go out to you and your family. The sadness and emptiness that goes with the loss of a parent is difficult however take comfort in knowing that he is in a better place. Be grateful for the wonderful memories you will always carry with you.

Our deepest condolences from our family to yours Art. We can't make it to see in London unfortunately because of Gary's funeral and Silvio is leaving for Florida on Wednesday. Our thoughts are with you during these difficult days.

To the Artuso family, our sincere condolences . Though a time of great sadness in your loss ,we hope your memories are ones filled with laughter , pride and love. We are thinking of you and wish you all the very best.

It is with a sad heart that I give my condolences; I know the struggles that your family has been going through. God has guided you and he will give you strength and courage for the days ahead. Zio Tony will now enjoy eternal life , a life with no pain and no suffering , a life filled with joy and happiness , to enjoy God’s grace with those who have left this world. We were blessed for being a part of his life and he will watch over us till me meet again...!!

Dear Art, Sue and family, Our hearts and thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. May your memories provide some comfort and give you strength. Please accept our deepest and most sincere sympathies.

Dear Art and family, Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. May his fond memories provide you support and may peace be with you and your family. Please accept our heart felt condolences.

Dear Zia Anna, Giovanna, Patti, Art, Sue, Matthew, Jaclyn, Paul and Sienna; we are very sorry and saddened for the loss of your beloved husband, father and Nonno. We know that is very difficult for you all, but we are sure that he will be inside and of course beside you forever. Now Zio Tony is in peace and free from suffering and pain. We will miss him very much too and we would like to be closer to you all in this very sad moment. His memory will live on inside of us.

Dear Zia Anna, Art, Sue, Matthew, Jaclyn, Patti, Giovanna, Paul and little Sienna; even if we live so far away we want you not to feel alone in this difficult moment we would like to be there physically but we hope you can feel our souls are really close to you. Our belief is that Zio Tony is currently in a place where he does not suffer any longer and actually we love thinking about him already busy in reorganizing God's greenhouse, gardening activity and bakery. We will miss him a lot but he will indeed always be present in our memory and our hearts.

Dear Giovanna, My family and I are very sorry and saddened to hear about the loss of your father. I know he meant a lot to you I am so sorry and wanted to offer my condolences to you and your entire family. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you, Although I never got the opportunity to meet your father, I know you had a close relationship with him and that you were always speaking very highly of him. He sounds like an incredible man and a wonderful father. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this most difficult time and I ask that you please pass these sentiments on to your family and your father's friends.