LOUIS JOHN AGRO
June 19, 1932
December 22, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father Louis John Agro. Louis was in his 90th year when he passed peacefully at home and is now once again together with the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Joan Christine Agro. Louis will be missed terribly by his children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Louis was the fifth of six boys born to Sam and Grace Agro. Louis’ parents arrived in Hamilton from Racalmuto Sicily, in 1912. He grew up in the tight-knit Sicilian Community located in the Barton and James area of Hamilton. Dad always talked about how lucky he was to grow up in this supportive, loving and vibrant community. This community spawned numerous stories about family life, rekindling memories of harmless mischief, adventures both on land and water (the Bay) and of course many stories with colourful characters from the neighbourhood. He was the sole surviving brother and is now reunited with Charles, John, Joseph, Steven and Vince.
Louis met Joan in the early 1950’s at a Louis Armstrong Concert in Dundas and were married in 1953. Early in their marriage, they both dreamed of owning their own business. Louis left Stelco and Joan left Bell Canada to follow their dream. They had a few ideas but settled on starting a mushroom farm in Millgrove. After many years of hard work and long hours, Louis and Joan developed Agro Mushrooms into a successful large scale mushroom growing and processing business. Louis’ entrepreneurial spirit drove him into a number of other business ventures throughout his life including Agro Seafood. Louis employed many newcomers to Canada and was always interested in their lives and culture. He was a mentor to many and was most proud of their many accomplishments, including some starting businesses of their own.
Louis loved a challenge, whether it was in business, fishing, hunting, race horses, cooking or designing his cottage. Louis had a deep love and respect for nature probably instilled from his uncle “Doc Vince”. He loved being outdoors whether it was tending to his plants, fishing at the cottage or enjoying the stillness of the evening with the calling of the loons. Louis loved animals and had a soft spot for dogs, he took in many abandoned pets that were dropped off at the family farm knowing that Louis would take them in and find them a good home. Louis had command of the kitchen and the barbecue. He had a love for good food. Food preparation during holiday celebrations was an opportunity for Louis to “go big or go home”. Louis was a lover of all types of music especially opera, he loved collecting art and antiques, and he loved watching football on the weekends. We will miss the cottage adventures with extended family and many friends, where we would listen to his rich stories of the past. He was a spinner of great yarns, gripping the listener with mischievous humour and quick wit.
Louis will be greatly missed by his adoring children Dawn (Michael Pray), Lori (Chris Voke), Sam, Marisa (Clifford Kane) and Julia (Salvatore Frisina). Loving Papa to Evan (Erika), Justin, Matthew, Lauren, Josh, Julia, Cara, Jessica, Sophia, Bella, Michael and Grace. And proud Papa-Papa to Giorgia. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Angeline Agro. Louis leaves numerous nieces and nephews for whom he had great respect and affection. He will also be missed by good friends Jean Destro, Alfie Pataracchia, as well as many other friends and colleagues. We would like to extend a big thank you to the many healthcare workers involved in Dad’s care with a special thank you to Rose Marcelino.
Dad was unselfishly generous, with his time and wisdom, with his humour and positivity, with his attention and with his love. For many years he took such great care of our Mom when her health began to fail. He was her voice when she couldn’t speak and he worked tirelessly to ensure that they would be able to remain together in their home. He gave us the gift of laughter, the confidence to believe that there wasn’t anything we couldn’t do and the knowledge that family was everything. He created a firm foundation for all of us to lean on and a steady hand to hold onto until we reunite with him and Mom again.
In remembrance of Louis, and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to demazenod-door.ca or cancerassist.ca.
A private family service has taken place. A celebration of Louis’ life will take place at a late date in June. Pictures can be viewed and condolences made at www.dermodys.com.
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Wednesday December 22nd 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Louis Agro Wednesday December 22nd 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:HAMILTON, Province: Ontario