Obituary of John Anthony Dominic Andreoli

<p> </p> <p>Stories are a powerful thing.</p> <p> </p> <p>We were driving in Rome on a family vacation, heading to the Colosseum in a Fiat only slightly bigger than a lawnmower, that still managed to go 160 km/h.  We could see it – the curving arches, the beckoning stone; however, we were on a bridge heading in the wrong direction.  And quickly.</p> <p> </p> <p>But Dad saw a way:  If we could just turn around, jump the curb, head back the way we came, we would be on track.  Our car made a valiant attempt, but we got stuck on that curb, a pint-sized turtle blocking crowded traffic in both directions.  Just as quickly, a second car, even smaller, pulled over, and out piled four Romans.  Together, with Dad’s muddled Italian, they picked up our car, turned it around, placed it back on the road, (with passengers still inside), and with a <em>ciao!</em> we all went on our away.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dad was many things to many people.  He loved old cars and banana popsicles.  He loved Simon and Garfunkel and limoncello.  He played guitar with his grandchildren and once played great football.</p> <p> </p> <p>He made wonderful risotto.</p> <p> </p> <p>Toronto, Miami and Cuba - he cherished his Cuban family.  And together, he and Rita made a great team.  How many of us spend their evening, porch side or fire side, sipping, and sharing their day?</p> <p> </p> <p>He taught us how to drive a boat, to play poker, to push limits.  To handle success and recover from challenge.  He taught us the importance of friendship and travel.  He loved and was loved.</p> <p> </p> <p>On Wednesday, December 21, 2016, on the Winter Solstice, during a light and beautiful snow, we said goodbye.  We celebrated the bigness of his life and the dignity of his death at Toronto Western Hospital, surrounded by people who loved him.  His body, strong enough to lift a car, didn’t have quite enough left to fight the virus that took him.  I will remember a Husband, a Nonno, a Zio, a Friend, who helped many get back on their path: A guide, a comfort, a giant.</p> <p> </p> <p>The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) on Thursday, January 5^th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and on Friday, January 6^th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  A private family funeral will be held in MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY.  As per his wishes, will be hosting a Celebration of Life a year from now.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>If you need a friend<br /> I'm sailing right behind<br /> Like a bridge over troubled water<br /> I will ease your mind</em></p> <p> </p> <p>Simon and Garfunkel</p>