Pasquale Pompilii

Ettore Pasquale Pompilii, in his 86th year, was peacefully received into the Lord’s home surrounded by his family. Pasquale was born in Miano, Teramo, Italy on June 8, 1940. He was predeceased by his parents, Umberto and Erinna Pompilii, his parents-in-law, Adamo and Letizia Di Francesco, and his brother-in-law Tito Pompilii.

Pasquale is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 65 years, Adina (née Di Francesco). Cherished father of Lida Di Nucci (Tony), Luigi (Lisa), and Dani (Silvia). Beloved nonno of Philip, Stephen (Odai), Claire (Philip), Mark (Madison) Ava, and Roman. Survived by his sister Onelia Rossi (Joe), brother Sergio (Luciana), and sister-in-law Maria Pompilii of Italy. Pasquale is fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbours.

Pasquale was born at the beginning of World War II. He followed his father to Canada and arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax, on March 5, 1957 aboard the Giulio Cesare at the age of 16. Pasquale was married by proxy to his hometown sweetheart Adina, on April 30, 1961. Pasquale was a proud Italian-Canadian with a fond love for both cultures.

He cherished spending time with his family to celebrate birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and special occasions. Pasquale and Adina loved to travel to sunny destinations including Margarita Island, Cuba, and Mexico. Above all, their most treasured vacations were when they travelled back to Miano to visit with their family and friends.

Pasquale was a master tailor who worked for Simpson’s and Hudson’s department stores. In 1984 he launched his own business, Pasquale’s Tailoring and Alterations, where he and his wife completed work for Skinner’s Menswear and Andrew Douglas Clothier. He enjoyed tailoring and taking on work for family and friends. His family affectionately called him “Mr. Fix It”. He would always say he preferred to take garments in, rather than let them out. Pasquale operated his home business into his 80s, doing alterations at his pace. He enjoyed playing bocce, watching baseball and soccer, and cheering on his Toronto Maple Leafs. Pasquale was a member of the London Marconi Bocciofila group where he would socialize with friends and hosted annual bocce tournaments.

Pasquale was also a founding member of the Abruzzi e Molise Association, and an active member of the Marconi Club of London, and its many social clubs. He loved attending summer picnics and travelled on bus trips to Toronto for the San Gabriele festival, which showed his devotion to the patron saint of Abruzzo. Pasquale was a vibrant member of the choir at St. Mary’s Parish. He never missed an opportunity to serenade his lovely wife and sing boldly at any function, especially at birthdays for family members. Pasquale’s hobbies included fishing, bocce, singing, making sausages and wine, and tending to his garden.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bloom Retirement Community, Dr. Muia, Dr. McLean, the nursing and support staff at Victoria Hospital Geriatric Unit, and the Palliative Care Unit, for their exceptional care and compassion, bringing the family much peace and comfort.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 14th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at O’Neil Funeral Home, 350 William Street, London. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 345 Lyle Street. Entombment follows at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 806 Victoria Street, London.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Pasquale’s memory to St. Mary’s Parish Church Restoration Fund, either online at https://familyofparishes.ca/index.php/donate or via e-transfer at stmarylondon@dol.ca

Online condolences & Guest Book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca