PARKER, ANTHONY – The incomparable Tony Parker passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021. Tony had 75 years of adventures, and even after his brain cancer revealed itself in November 2019, he had his best year ever as a realtor, connecting many clients to their dream homes.
Tony (Antonino) was born in Sicily and raised in Australia and England, before coming to Canada in his 20s. He worked in sales nearly his whole life, selling everything from Lifesavers candy, to china and glassware, to office equipment. But it was when he turned his considerable talents to real estate that his abilities were truly able to shine. Becoming a realtor in the Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake at age 65, Tony earned his place as the top realtor at the local Bosley Real Estate brokerage for the past five years running. In selling homes, he helped build the local community, bringing new and old residents together, and introducing clients to his favourite local businesses. Many of his clients became friends of his, as they discovered how much genuine care he took in everything he did for them. He would not let any need go unmet, and always encouraged and supported others to succeed.
Tony was a connoisseur: he loved a fine meal, and had a wide palate, especially enjoying Indian and Thai food, stinky cheeses from England and of course, pasta. He could not resist fresh pastries, and he was able to indulge in them on his frequent trips to Europe with his partner Meg. The patisseries of Paris will miss him. He loved art and architecture, with a special passion for art deco buildings and sculptures. Tony was a film buff enjoying everything from art house favourites to documentaries to goofball comedies. He was also an avid reader of books on history, politics, and the social sciences. He delighted in learning about advances in science and technology, as befitted his optimistic nature.
Many described Tony as a consummate gentleman, which was absolutely true. Always impeccably dressed, he loved to go for drives in his new Jaguar, a car he had dreamt of owning for years. But he also had a wonderful silly side and loved to laugh. Tony was a destroyer of crosswords and a sandwich wizard, and he let his creative side flourish in the kitchen with his famous fish soups. Tony could bask in the sun for hours and lived his entire life in denial of winter.
Tony will be dearly missed by his daughter Judith and her partner Angelo; his son Steven and grandsons James and Owen; his partner Meg and her son Jeb; his sisters Anna and Marisa and their husbands Martin and Kevin, his brother Frank and sister-in-law Lise, and many nieces and nephews. Tony was also the loving brother of the late Richard. Family & friends are invited to a Celebration of Life via Livestream on Sunday, October 17th, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82042339690. Kindly email Celebrations of Life Toronto info@cofl.ca or call 416-817-8772 to rsvp. The family ask that any donations be made to Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Palliative Care http://www.notlpc.com/donate-to-notl-community-palliative-care or United Way Niagara https://give.unitedway.ca/donate/WSTCAT
