Antonio "Tony" Tulipano

In Loving Memory of Antonio (Tony) Tulipano

October 25, 1938 - February 25, 2024 

Tony, beloved husband to Raffaella Tulipano, incredible father to Frank, Lauretta, Ralph, Josie, and Daniela, doting Nonno to Emily, Gabriella, Lucas, Anthony, Erika, Alexis, and Isabella, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2024, in his home, with his loving family, after a long fought, courageous battle with Alzheimer's.  He was 85 years old. 

He grew up postwar, in a small village in southern Italy, Tony was one of 7 children. Despite the difficult times, Tony found joy in soccer, all things music, and family.  It was in that village where he met and married the love of his life, Raffaella. 

At 19 he journeyed to Canada by ship to start their life in Orillia. With cards stacked against him, with just a grade 5 education, not knowing how to speak English, and no savings, but full of dreams, he quickly earned a reputation for hard work and dedication to his craft. Less than 2 years after arriving in Canada, he started his own company and became a market leader in custom-built homes. He had a knack for overcoming all obstacles, big and small. He grew to be a master of all facets of residential construction with dozens of beautiful homes that stand as a testament to his excellence. His talents were endless and he never hesitated to share them with everyone he loved.  

Together, with his wife of 66 years, Raffaella, they built a family with a strong love for one another. His 5 children highly respected and looked up to him - he created a world where love for family was his true north. Tony worked day and night so that his children could have all the advantages that he, himself did not. Having achieved all the markings of success, he retired at an early age which afforded him the wonderful opportunity to be a dedicated and adoring Nonno to 7 grandchildren. He also achieved his dream of returning to Calabria, where he built a summer villa for himself and his family to enjoy for over 25 years. 

Though he left Calabria in 1958, he celebrated all of its beautiful traditions. Today, three generations continue to gather for annual Italian rituals of sausage making, sauce jarring, and wine bottling. 

Tony will be remembered for his unwavering family values, his heart of gold, and unparalleled generosity. 

Tony's long journey with Alzheimer's was made unmeasurably lighter thanks to the heartfelt and exceptional care from Dr Aaron Barnett and the many beautiful and kind hearts of the PSWs and healthcare providers that surrounded him. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Alzheimer's Society of Ontario, in his memory. 

Friends and family will be received at The Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West Street North, Orillia, on Friday, March 1, from 4-7 pm. His funeral will be held on Saturday, March 2, at the Guardian Angels Church, 115 West Street North, Orillia at 11 am.