I have many, many, many fond memories of Tat.  I recall first meeting him twenty some years ago at the house on Kamloops.  My nervousness at being the foreigner dating his daughter was quickly put aside as he put me at ease and made me feel welcome.   After Lisa and I wed, and he would visit with Nana to our home in Florida, he was always quick to take on things that we needed done in our new home, whether it was building shelving in the garage or wiring up the lights so we could fly our flags at night.   
I recall him trying to teach me basic electrical skills, but unfortunately both he and my own Pop, an Aviations Electronics Mate in the US Navy were not successful, though not for lack of trying.   I recall his daily snort of scotch, another skill he tried to impart to me, but again unsuccessful in the face of a fine Kentucky Bourbon.
I remember him amazing the kids with his magic tricks, pulling coins from behind Ben and Abbie's ears.  His having the kids on his lap, reading a story..... 
Words fail me at this time, I but I can say that I learned many things from him and would like to think I am a better man for having known him.

I will miss him.

Diane, Chris, Angie, Mark, Lisa and All of the family, 
My father Joe worked, many years ago, with Ernie and used to tell us all the time, "Ernie is a darn good salesman!".  Who would have thought, that years later, I would be working with his two sons, Chris and Mark and then, meet the family and become fast friends over the years.   Chris and Mark met and married two of my best friends and I married Chris' best friend - and we all became a group, who have followed each other's  life journeys.   I have many memories I could share about Ernie, but I think I just want to share that Ernie always made me feel welcomed and part of the group, at the many family functions I have attended over the years.  He and I shared many laughs together, as we both shared a quirky sense of humor.   I often found myself sitting off with him laughing at his jokes and enjoying the wisdom he would share with me about life, family, work, raising children, etc.   He reminded me a lot of my own dad and he would always ask, "How are Joe and Daisy doing?"  This always did my heart good.   Guy and I have the privilege of raising our sweet Jill-Brooklynn, Ernie's Great-granddaughter.  Jill-Brooklynn tells me that her favorite memory of her Great-Tatone is when he and Diane gifted her with her favorite, Disney Princess Story book.  It is a book Jill-Brooklynn has read many times over and is inscribed with her Great-Tatone's and Diane's love for her.  She will treasure this book always, I am sure.  I can envision her reading these beloved stories to her own children one day and hear her telling them about their Great-Great-Tatone, who gifted her with this book.  It is pink, cover to cover! Jill-Brooklynn had several visits with Ernie and Diane and she remembers each one clearly and is able to relay to me how cuddly her Great-Tatone was.  These are precious memories that Guy and I will keep alive in Jill-Brooklynn's heart and mind.  Godspeed Ernie.  Blessings to All,  Joyce, Guy and Jill-Brooklynn

 Walking to 11:00 Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Kent St.  After Mass is was spaghetti at Nanny's.  (Don't know how we all fit around her small table. ) Mountains of meatballs, Pure Spring gingerale with a dash of red wine.  Salad after to clean our palettes then some awesome dessert.   Then later in the day a light supper followed by Disney World and Bonanza on TV with our weekly treat of a tiny glass of Cream Soda and a shared Coffee Crisp.


OBITUARY

Ernesto "Ernie" Di Labio

29 March, 1931 – 14 March, 2018

McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Past Services

Visitation

Memorial Service