OBITUARY
Emilio Palumbo
February 7, 1929 – November 21, 2018
Following a lengthy illness and with family at his side, Emilio Palumbo passed away on November 21, 2018 at 89 years of age.
Emilio is survived by Emma his wife of 58 years, daughters, Rosa (Tony) , Maria, Sofia, son Riccardo (Joanna), granddaughter Mia, sisters Elisa and Antonietta (Emilio) and brothers Loreto (Liliana), Luigi (Rosa), and sisters-in-law Nicetta and Carmelina. In addition he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends throughout Canada, Italy and Switzerland.
He was predeceased by his parents Rosina Galuppo and Francesco, brothers Oreste and Giuseppe, sister Angelina and granddaughter Natasia.
Emilio was born February 7, 1929 in Montagano, Campobasso. He was the eldest of 8 children. His family was poor but hard working. At a young age he became very sick and wasn’t expected to survive, but survive he did! The illness left him with a severe hearing loss which he coped with his entire life. Dad told us many stories of growing up during the difficult war years in Montagano. These experiences shaped his attitude towards life—with courage, determination and hard work, anything was possible!
Due to his hearing loss, Emilio did not do well in a formal learning environment. This did not dampen his hunger for knowledge, understanding or his sense of adventure! At 21 years of age he left Montagano for military training in Torino. Using the military allowance he had saved, he bought his first suit and wore it when he returned home. His family was so proud of him!
Keenly aware of the need to help his family financially, after his military training he accepted work on a dairy farm close to Metz, France. He sent his first paycheque back to his family in Montagano. Thereafter even when abroad, and when possible he sent money back to his family.
In 1954 on the Arosa Star Transatlantic Cruise Liner dad arrived in Canada alone, unable to speak English and with a limited education. Though he lacked in these areas, he eagerly took on the challenges of his new life. His first job was as a labourer on a dairy farm on the outskirts of Winnipeg. It was during this time his family sent him a picture of Emma, and it was love at first sight! He returned to Montagano in 1960 to marry and bring his new wife to Canada. Through the ups and downs of work and family life, together they successfully raised 4 children.
Dad’s work life was mostly as a labourer on farms and later in construction. He was also a self-taught painter. In 1985 he started to work at HSC doing janitorial work. It didn’t matter to him, that in the opinion of some, his work was menial. He worked hard, took pride in it, and did so with gusto! Work was enjoyable for him. Over time, he also became an accomplished entrepreneur. Even in tough times he was the consummate provider.
In time, Emilio sponsored his brothers Oreste and Giuseppe, and his sister Elisa to come to Canada. Through the years these siblings lived with Emilio and Emma and their young family. Later the uncles returned to Italy to marry. They brought their wives to Winnipeg where they too raised their families. We cherish these memories and still speak of them fondly. We often refer to dad as being the one who started the Winnipeg Palumbo family legacy!
There were many family dinners and events. As family tradition would have it, Dad, Oreste and Pepi would sit together and retell stories as if they had never been told before. Everything was abundant, including incessant loud teasing along with peals of hearty laughter! Their stories usually revolved around Montagano, current events, friends, the garden, home projects and family. We cherish the legacy, family history and values these experiences instilled in us.
A pivotal part of Emilio’s life was his study of the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Due to this individual attention, his formal Italian—spoken, written and reading skills greatly improved. He was also able to learn English, French, some German and Portuguese. Through this precious education he was finally able to get answers to the questions that had puzzled him. His love of Bible knowledge and love of Jehovah God motivated him to teach others in his volunteer public ministry—which was something he took very seriously! He applied the same works ethic to his study habits and public ministry as he had to his secular work.
As a result, some were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses, including 2 of his brothers, his sister-in-law and his own children. He regularly did public speaking presentations from the Bible in front audiences both in Italian and English.
Sickness slowly erodes a person—and that was true with Emilio. For the last 20 years he suffered poor health. Even so, dad always appreciated listening to God’s Word, praying and singing with his family. In fact, the night before he died, the entire family listened to The Maples congregation weekly Bible meeting by telephone hook up. Mom loyally and lovingly cared for him to the end.
Emilio’s family would like to sincerely thank The Maples and Red River Chinese congregations and the countless friends and relatives for their love and support over the years. Also, to the staff and doctors at Deer Lodge Prime Program, MHSAL Homecare program, St. Joseph’s Personal Care Home, and Seven Oaks Hospital. Without your help, we would have been unable to care for dad.
Dad was loved and respected. While he will be sadly missed, we are at peace knowing his suffering has ended. We await future joyous, tranquil days when “no one will say I am sick”. (Isaiah 33:24). This is what he believed and longed for with all his heart.
There will be a private graveside service. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1877 Inkster Blvd., Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 7 pm. Piero Palumbo officiating.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Emilio Palumbo 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
