Antonio Palumbo

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Antonio Palumbo, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished Nonno. He died peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, surrounded by his family.  Antonio is lovingly remembered by his caring and devoted wife, Maria of 61 years.  Antonio was a proud and loving father to his children, Antonietta Palumbo-Sher (Jonathan) and Nancy Palumbo (Trevor). His love for his grandchildren was immense and brought him so much joy.  He will be forever missed by Katherine, Alexander and Arya. Nonno’s memory will shine bright in their hearts.

He was predeceased by his parents Bartolomeo and Annunziata; his sisters Michelina (Donato) and Teresa (Guiseppe).  Also predeceased by his in-laws Michele and Michelina Ruggiero.  Dear brother of Carmen Palumbo (d – Tina), Antonio Pacifico (d – Filomena and late son Adriano) of London. Salvatore Ruggerio (d – Brigida) of Italy, Donato Ruggiero (Raquel) of France, Giovanna Garofalo (Donato) of Italy and Antonio Ruggiero of Switzerland. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Antonio was born in San Bartolomeo, Italy, on March 19, 1939, to Bartolomeo and Annunziata (née D’Arrisso) Palumbo.  Antonio learned the value of family and tenacity, seeking work as a teenager with nothing but a bicycle and the determination to build a better life. That pursuit would lead him to work in Switzerland and Germany and to the love of his life, his wife Maria.  In 1968, Antonio and Maria left Italy with a toddler in tow, bound for Canada, arriving at the historic Pier 21 in Halifax before travelling by train to London, Ontario, seeking economic opportunity and a promising future for their family.  Their path was not easy – leaving behind family never is, but Antonio and Maria worked tirelessly to build a home full of love where Italian culture thrived.

Antonio trained to become a welder, earning a position at GM Diesel, his drive to support his family every bit as powerful as the locomotives he built at the London factory.  On a hobby farm east of London, Antonio spent many happy days tending to the animals he raised. He loved being outdoors and would spend hours cultivating his expansive garden filled with vegetables, flowers and fruit trees. His family enjoyed the bounties of his efforts: asparagus in the spring, tomatoes in the summer and quince in the fall.

At work and home, Antonio cultivated friendships with stories and humour, his circles of friends as diverse as Canada itself. He never lost the childhood joy of playing, whether that be bocce outside on a beautiful summer day or traditional Italian card games around the kitchen table with his grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the PSW teams from St. Elizabeth and Medical Priorities for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Home, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Parish, 345 Lyle Street, London, on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., with entombment at St. Peter’s Holy Family Chapel Mausoleum, London.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Antonio are asked to consider the University Hospital Cardiac Unit and the MS Society of Canada.