Jim (Ascenzo) Lepore
May 12, 1937 – September 9, 2019
It is with heavy hearts, that we sadly announce the sudden passing of Jim at home on Monday, September 9, 2019 in his 83rd year. Predeceased by the love of his life, Anna (nee Mercanti), in 2017. Proud and loving father of Vince (Susan), John (Anne), Joanne Guyatt (Doug), and Linda Genovese (Joe). Papa was loved and admired by his grandchildren Jim (fiancée Catherine Correia), Michelle, Janna, Rebecca (fiancé Jordan Dewaele), Matthew, Nicholas, Patrick, Jessica, Lianna and Michael. Jim was predeceased by his parents Vincenzo and Annunziata Lepore and his siblings, Teresa D’Alessandro (late Adelmo), Francesco (late Maria), Guistino (Violet) and survived by his brother Rosario. Jim was also predeceased by his brothers-in-law Ralph Mercanti (late Mary), Frank Mercanti (late Elaine), sisters-in-law Gloria Mercanti and Matilda Mason (Louie). Will be forever missed by several nieces and nephews. Jim left his small town of Pettorano sul Gizio, Italy in 1953 in his 16th year to start a new life in Hamilton. It was here that he met and married his soulmate, Anna, and together they devoted themselves to raising their four children. Although he spoke of many struggles and obstacles along the way, it was those moments that made him the strong, driven and resilient person that we were blessed to call Papa. Always the teacher, he was never at a loss for words and took every opportunity to share his wisdom and life experiences with his grandchildren. Papa Jim devoted his life to his faith and family. He was full of life and had an unquenchable thirst for learning. He would be the first to dance, sing, laugh, and lend a helping hand, whether you wanted it or not. He was our moral compass, our rock, our mentor, our storyteller, our human encyclopedia, our soccer expert…our everything. Although Jim tried to fill his time volunteering, playing bocce, singing in the Coro Abruzzese, mall walking at Limeridge, and attending events for the Pettoranese and Abruzzese communities, it could not completely fill the emptiness felt when he lost Anna. At this very sad time, our one and only comforting thought is that he is once again in the arms of his love Anna happily dancing together again in heaven.
Family and friends will be received at the FRISCOLANTI FUNERAL CHAPEL, 43 Barton Street East (near James), on Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Vigil prayers Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, September 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Regina Mundi Roman Catholic Church, 631 Mohawk Road West, Hamilton. Entombment to follow at Our Lady of Hope Mausoleum, Resurrection Cemetery, 254 Garner Road West, Ancaster. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Papa
What can we say to someone who has always been
one of the most essential parts of our world;
someone who took us by the hand when we were little
and helped to show us the way?
What do we say to someone who stood by to help us grow,
providing love, strength and support
so we could become the people we are today?
What can we say to let him know that he’s the best there is
and that we hope we’ve inherited some of his
wisdom and strength?
What words would we say if we ever got the chance?
Maybe we’d just say, “We love you Papa,”
and hope he understands.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jim Ascenzo Lepore..
Death notice for the town of: Hamilton, Province: Ontario