Charles (Calogero) James Destro
August 20, 1926 - September 1, 2018
On September 1st we lost the love of our life. He played in the last inning of a wonderful game - his beautiful life. He left this world surrounded by as much love as when he entered it- in the arms of his wife and daughter, his “angels” at the cottage which was always anchored in laughter, family, friends, food and love.
Survived by his beautiful wife Jean of 52 years and daughter Tina, sister Lena Busby (the late John), brother-in-law James Martin and many Destro cousins. He is predeceased by his mother and father Josephine (Mendola) and Anthony Destro, his brother Gus Destro, sisters Mary Tulumello (Sam) and Jenny Infurnari (Joe) and his sister-in-law Lorraine Duizendstraal. Charlie will be deeply missed by many nieces, great-nieces and nephews, life-long friends, his cottage “family” and his family from Ohio, Patti and John who all adored him and will miss his charm and sense of humour.
Charlie was proud of his Italian (Sicilian) heritage and loved his homemade wine and other Italian treats and visits from his friend John. He also loved his cottage and over the course of 45 years many memories were created, especially the countless steak and seafood dinners at midnight on the deck with Joan and Louie Agro, many summer days spent with Ozzie and Barb Osborn having “cold beers on hot days”, and years spent singing and dancing to Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett with his long-time friends Sam and Eileen Marchese and his brother-in-law the late John Martin. Charlie also cherished his friendship with his dear friends Nick and Glayde Rizzo. He was constantly spoiled by his neighbours at the cottage with ice cream floats, pies and compliments. There are no words to thank Chuck Box (Janice), his cottage neighbour and friend whom he loved. Chuck escorted Charlie home on the last part of his journey back to Hamilton. Thank you to all our cottage neighbours for their support and love, all our family who was with us on his last day and those that visited him at the cottage - he loved you all dearly. A special thank you to Susanna, our Bayshore nurse from Hamilton and the wonderful team in Exeter.
Throughout his journey with cancer, he remained positive, realistic and loving. He maintained an amazing quality of life and sense of humour until the end of his days. He spent the summer helping his daughter stain hardwood floors, eat his favorite meals, watch his New York Yankees and enjoyed trips to the casino. He is now in heaven with his family (his mother waiting for him with a cup of tea) and his Grand Bend buddies, dancing, bowling, watching Seinfeld, playing baseball and watching over us. He will be missed by all.
Visitation will take place at FRISCOLANTI FUNERAL CHAPEL, 43 Barton St. E. (near James) on Thursday, September 6, 2018 from 1-7 p.m. A funeral service will take place at Friscolanti Funeral Chapel on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 7 p.m.
“I’ve lived a life that’s full, I traveled each and every highway and more, much more than this, I did it my way”