Emilio Destefano

DeSTEFANO - Emilio Of Capriglia Inperna a suburb of Avellino, Italia entered unto eternal rest on April 13, 2020 at his home. Born on October 7, 1934 he was the son of Erminio De Stefano and Lucia (Guerriero) De Stefano. Emilio journeyed to Canada by way of Switzerland from Italy after World War II in 1956 where he worked at fruit farms on the shores of Lake Ontario in Beamsville, Ontario. He moved to Buffalos west side after he married his wife of 57 years Maria (nee Vecchio) a skilled seamstress from Roccella Italy who worked at the former M. Wile factory in downtown Buffalo. Emilio was a contract laborer for over 50 years owning his own businesses and used his skills to build his home and a family chalet in Ellicottville, NY. He was still pouring concrete into his 80s when he helped build his sons home. Emilio is survived by His daughter Lucia Maria (Earl Wells III) and son Giustino Destefano (Danielle). He was a loving Nonno to Philp, Michael, Earl IV, and Amelia Wells and Antonio, Giuliana, Mariella, and Carina De Stefano. Through his hard work, Emilio was able to bring over his entire family including their spouses and children to leave Italy in 1958 to come to Canada where they settled in Beamsville, Ontario. Emilio was predeceased by his sister Armella (Antonio Guerriero) and is survived by his brother Antonio De Stefano (Louisa), sisters Maria Darchi, Faustina (Mario) Baldinelli and Giustina (Vito) Di Natale. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews and many, many friends who like Emilio, came to America to start new lives through a strong work ethic and love of family. Emilios hobbies included work and family. His most treasured moments were spent in his incredible garden surrounded by his fruit trees and watching his beloved grandson Philip playing baseball where he became affectionately known by everyone as Nonno. He loved listening to Michael sing and perform on stage, or watching his giant mini me Earl IV play football or baking with his beautiful beloved Amelia. He also loved spending time at home with his younger grandchildren picking grapes from his garden, canning tomatoes and watching Family Feud and The Wheel of Fortune during sleepovers. Antonio his Prince carrying on the De Stefano name. Giuliana who he always called gentle and delicate. Mariella who he thought was so funny and like him in so many wonderful ways. Carina who he could never get over how smart she was! Although he did not have a chance to meet his granddaughter on the way, she will be spoiled with beautiful memories of her Nonno. He was part of all of his grandchildrens lives and they will all remember him for the love and affection he gave all of them. A private service will be held for immediate family only because of the COVID-19 virus Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Loved ones and friends will be invited to attend a memorial of Emilios life at time and place to be announced by his family later in the year. Emilios family also would like to thank his many caregivers over the last several months at Davita and the medical staffs at Millard Suburban, Gates Vascular Institute and Buffalo General Hospital. Please go online at LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME and share your favorite Emilio Story.