Salvatore Varone

Salvo, Papa, Figlio, Zio, Fratello, Best friend, husband, amore mio ... Words cannot describe the impact that Salvatore, or what his friends know him as, Salvo, or what seemingly the entirety of Italy knows him as, Salvuccio - had upon everyone and everything that crossed his path. Coming from Messina, Sicily in a small town called Pace, to building a big, beautiful life with his loving wife Rita and beautiful daughter Isabella in Canada, I think we can all agree he always knew he was destined for something bigger than a "small town life". 

From always having his fashionable flair with his matching hats and far too expensive jackets to a DJing hobby that turned our humble abode into a lively nightclub, he brought, and still brings, life wherever he may be, psychically, and in our hearts. Salvo had, and still has, that kind of warm and fuzzy demeanor where anyone that knew him could feel in their hearts how genuine and loving a person he is. 

This was shown when he quite literally moved mountains and seas to be with and marry the love of his life, Rita. I think we can all agree, even him, his life only started that day on the beach in Italy when they met and he was wearing a stupid little Bart Simpson glow in the dark t-shirt. Salvo and Rita gave each other everything they both ever could have wanted out of this world, and more. Rita and Salvo's love story is one for the ages, and has shown all of us, especially their one daughter, Isabella, how powerful and resilient the force of true love is. They truly are and always will be each other's soulmates. It's so unfortunate that they had to part ways so early, but I know in my heart he will always be here with Isabella and Rita in every single step they take, whether that's to the grocery store, or walking their daughter down the aisle. 

After Rita, he met the true love of his life through the big brown eyes of their only daughter, Isabella. Salvo always had his tough and rough-around-the-edges vibe with people, but with Isabella they all seemed to wash away. Everything he ever did in his life after July 30th, 2005 was for her. From letting Isabella and her cousin Angelina call him Salvina and then chasing a big bulky construction guy around with a princess tiara, to carrying Isabella and Elora, one in each hand, out of a concert in the Dominican Republic because they were too scared of the zombies in the show. And even sitting on the couch and watching reality TV with her, even though he could list a million things he'd rather watch, but not a single other place he would rather be. Isabella and Salvo have a father daughter bond that not many can ever say they had in a lifetime, and she is so fortunate to have experienced such an unconditional and strong love from such a phenomenal papa, and that will be cherished by her and Rita until the end of time. 

Salvo, I know you are here with us and listening to this and we all, from the bottom of our hearts, want to tell you how wholly, all-consumingly and unconditionally we love you, and always will love you. You are the best best best Papa, husband, zio, son, brother, person, worker, and dog dad to Geena that we will ever have the privilege of having been a part of our lives. Ti voglio bene e ti amo, riposa in pace. 

Love, 

Izy and Rita