Peacefully at home on Monday July 12, 2021 at 2:50 pm, Antonio (Tony) Di Bacco passed from this life to eternity. Tony was born on July 5, 1960 in Niagara Falls, Ontario to Gaetano (Guy) and Rosina (Rosa) Di Bacco. From a young age Tony enjoyed being active, playing sports and enjoying his large, extended Italian family. He graduated from A.N. Meyer in 1979 before attending the University of Toronto where he received his Bachelor of Arts in History, and the University of Windsor where he earned his Bachelor of Education. It was also at the University of Toronto where he met his beloved wife Sue Anne Armstrong in the summer of 1988. Tony and Sue made their home in Orillia, Ontario for 28 years. Tony was a dedicated English teacher at Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational Institute for 31 years. Active in the sporting community, Tony was a passionate and intense volleyball coach and referee, with some of his greatest memories coming from coaching all six of his children on the volleyball court.
Tony was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and enjoyed the fellowship of many believers over the years. Some of his fondest memories are the House Church years. He loved having people in their home, spending hours on the backyard ice rink, playing board games - especially Scrabble- or volleyball. A music lover, most mornings the family started the day to the tune of Tony belting out his favourite hymns. In his retirement years Tony discovered a new passion - cooking delicious meals, to his family’s delight. Tony enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, along with camping and biking with his family.
Tony was a heart warrior from the age of 4, when he was first diagnosed with a heart defect. He had three open heart surgeries, at the ages of 4, 12, and 45. A fighter his entire life, Tony battled the end stage of heart failure for a year and half longer than his medical team anticipated. He praised the dedicated teams at Toronto SickKids and Toronto General Hospital for saving his life many times.
He is preceded in death by his father Gaetano (April 2016) and sister, Fulvia Costabile (April 2021). He is also preceded by his in-laws, Keith and Pauline Armstrong of St. Joseph’s Island.
Tony is survived by Sue, his devoted wife of 32 years and their six children: David Antonio, Olivia Grace, Gabrielle Joy, Evangelyn Faith, Anna Hope and Mattea Charity.
He is also survived by his mother, Rosa, brother Michael (Leonie) and brother-in-law Frank Costabile. Uncle Tony will be missed by his nephews Frank, Daniel (Laureen), Jason (Lisa), Ethan, and his nieces Kendra (Brandon) and Shannon, along with many nieces and nephews on the Armstrong side of the family.
A celebration of life will be taking place in the Niagara Region on Saturday, August 28th, 2021. Details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Bible Project.