In loving memory of Antonio Sergio (Tony) Poloni, 80, who passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, August 28, 2015.

Born in Colle Umberto, Italy, to Giovanni and Luigia Poloni, Sergio came to Canada at the age of 19 with little more than a suitcase. He worked on mining projects across Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec, in the process earning renown as a shaftsman. On at least one occasion, he saved the life of a man with whom he worked. He also made sure that his parents were taken care of, building them their own
home in Italy. He retired as a shift boss from Falconbridge in 1991 but still kept in touch with the people with whom he worked, sharing the stories of his friends with his family.


Early in his time in Canada he found the one true love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Lina. Married in Thompson, Manitoba, his 'Lila' was everything to him and he adored and cherished her. Saturday night dancing at the Polish Combatant's Hall, gardening in the summer, marathon rounds of cribbage where the loser paid the winner $5.00 - everything they did, they did together. In his last days, he called her the best thing that ever happened to him.


With Lina, he raised his three boys and watched them as they raised their own families. His oldest son Patrick (wife Jodi) was the musician and would bring tears to his eyes with his accordion. His middle son Oscar (wife Sandra) did the taxes and wrote the letters, while his youngest son John (wife Serena) followed in his footsteps as a miner and was always around to help at home. With his sons he was generous to a fault, exceedingly fair and set the standard for what a father should be. He also took great joy in his grandchildren Christian, Matthew, Jacob, Addison and Isabella and cherished the time that he spent with them.


Sergio is also survived by his sisters Maria and Rina and nieces and nephews in Italy. He also leaves behind his friends and neighbours that brought him happiness and shared many good times with him and Lina.

The family would like to extend our special thanks to the staff of the Health Sciences North Emergency Department, 6th Floor Respiratory Unit and 4th Floor Palliative Care Unit and Dr. Mahoney for their care of Sergio during his final days. Special thanks to Pauline for the personal care and Dalton for all the help with the house.

Resting at the Lougheed Funeral Home, 252 Regent St., at Hazel St. (Friends may call from 2-5 and 7-9pm Tuesday). Funeral Mass at St. Alexander's Church, 100 Gaudette St., Chelmsford Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at 12noon with a celebration of his life to follow at the church. Cremation with entombment at the Civic Mausoleum Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Northern Cancer Foundation would be appreciated.

Ma sogno notte e dì la mia casetta,
la mia vecchietta che sempre aspetta...
L'amore del paese e della mamma
è una gran fiamma che brucia il cuor !