Antonio Gargano

Hawthorn resident Antonio Gargano, died aged 94 last month after a short battle with gall-bladder cancer.

"Many have said that dad was lucky, and those of you who have had the pleasure of playing a game of cards with him, would agree " his son Rocco Gargano told the large gathering of mourners at his funeral at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hawthorn.

"But the reality is, it's us who are the lucky ones, for having such a loving, gentle and generous father, nonno and friend."

With the family's permission we share his moving eulogy.

Antonio Gargano, our father, was born on March 13, 1928, in the small town of San Pietro Di Carida, Reggio Calabria, Italy.

Dad was part of a large family. He was one of seven siblings and worked as a farmer on his parents land.

In 1948 at the age of 20, Dad completed eight months of compulsory military training for the Italian Army in the City of Bologna. It was the first time he'd travelled outside San Pietro di Carida. Dad had fond memories of Bologna -- and would often refer to it as, 'Bologna, La Cita Di Belle Donne'.

On the completion of his military training, dad returned to his home town, where he continued to work on his parents property. To earn extra income for his family, he also worked as a labourer on neighbouring properties. This is how he came to work on Nonno's Nesci's farm (our Mum's Father). It was during this time that he was able to get to his know and court his future bride Melina.

In 1955 dad immigrated to Australia, landing in Sydney. He spent the next year working three jobs, seven days a week to establish himself.

In his second year in Sydney dad wrote a letter to his sweetheart Melina, who was still living in ltaly, asking her for hand in marriage.

Fortunately, Melina said yes, and they were married by proxy. Later that year mum joined dad in Sydney, and in 1959 their first child was born, the beautiful Angelina.

In that same year mum and dad moved to Melbourne, settling in Kensington and in 1965 their second child was born, their king, Rocco.

In 1966, they purchased their home in Hawthorn and in 1969, they welcomed the birth of third child, their princess Rina.

In Melbourne dad worked for Boral, in road construction, which included the construction of airports, carparks and tennis courts. He worked and travelled throughout Victoria. If you ever mentioned a regional town or suburb to him, he would tell you about the terrain, the soil quality, the name of the local pub and how many miles and kilometres from the CBD it was.

In 1977 after 17 years, he gave up his road construction job and took on a new job working as a general cleaner at Kew Cottages Hospital.

In the same year dad got his drivers licence and during the summer months we'd go to church on Sunday mornings and directly after church, with mums lasagne packed in the boot of the Kingswood, he would drive us to Mentone beach for a day of fun and laughter.

Dad retired at the age of 65, and joined the CO.AS.IT community program, volunteering to help the elderly and disabled in nursing homes. He would read them the bible, take them for walks and also sing to them, whether they liked it or not! He was a volunteer for 23 years.

Dad enjoyed his independence and would often catch the tram travelling to the city with mum to join their church group in Fitzroy on Wednesday and St. Patricks in East Melbourne on Sundays.

He also enjoyed going to the pool at, Hawthorn Aquatic Centre where he would do his water aerobics on a weekly basis.

Unfortunately in 2020 due to COVID, he had limited opportunities to enjoy any these activities.

Despite this, he remained positive and joyfully continued to work in his garden, tending to his vegetables and providing a bounty of food for his family and friends.

On 10th August this year, dad suffered a fall and was taken to hospital, where he undertook a series of tests. Two days later he was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. He was a private and stoic man and wanted his diagnosis to be kept quiet within the family. We all thought he had more time…  

Many have said that dad was lucky, and those of you who have had the pleasure of playing a game of cards with him, would agree - he almost always managed to win - but the reality is, it's us who are the lucky ones, for having such a loving, gentle and generous father, nonno and friend.

He was a devoted and loving husband to Melina, and they would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this November.

He taught his children about the value of hard work and persistence. He would often say, 'Hard work won't kill you, but worrying will. I'm sure this was the secret to his longevity.'   We will all miss his beautiful smile, his cheeky sense of humour and his positive attitude towards life.

Before going to bed, dad would always wish us a good night. He'd say, 'Buon notte' E' sogno d'ore.

Goodnight and golden dreams, Papa'

Originally published as `Good night and golden dreams Papa' - son farewells loving and gentle dad | Herald Sun