Obituary of Mario Enzo De Anna

With dignity and grace, after a valiant fight, Mario Enzo De Anna passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 29th, surrounded by his loving family. At 70 years of age, born April 10, 1943 in Windsor, Ontario, Mario left us the same way he lived his life; with optimism, determination, and appreciation for all that God had given him. Son of the late Frank and Adelaide (nee Puppi) of Cordenone, Italy and son-in-law of the late Michael and Helen (nee Rouffer) Roland. Beloved husband of his high school sweetheart Patricia (nee Roland) with whom he shared 48 years of wonderful marriage. Devoted and supportive father to Christine Elizabeth De Anna and Colleen Melissa Buckley. A true friend, mentor and father-in-law to Peter Buckley. His greatest source of pride and joy were his adoring grandchildren, Peter Boniface II, “Secondo” and Adelaide Deanna, his “Bella Della”. Born on the same day as his older brother and best friend, Walter (Marilou) De Anna and their children, Constance (Bob) Lempke (Michelle, Jordan, Bailey, Nick and Drew), Michelle (Kirk) Krause (Kyle, Sarah and Kody), Robert (Holly) De Anna (Abby and Kelsey). Mario will be fondly remembered by his in-laws and their families: the late Richard, Jill & Bruce Pearson (Todd Roland [Elli], Shawna & Rob Cunningham [Erin and Mitchell], Kami & Ryan Knight [Sophie and Maya]; Randal & Alyson Roland (Jordan and Garrett); Mickey & Karen Roland (Kate and Matthew); Gloria & Ronald Whitehead, (Linnea & Joel Knight [Lily and Maddy], Len Whitehead); John & Cindy Roland (Connor and Darby). Mario followed his brother to the University of Dayton Ohio, to achieve his first degree, B. SC. while enjoying a successful varsity hockey career for the Dayton Flyers. He returned to Windsor, Ontario, in 1965, to marry the love of his life Patricia and begin his career in the automotive industry at Ford Motor Company and International Harvester. While being a father to two infants, he achieved his M.B.A while attending night school at the University of Detroit, Michigan. Re-locating to Burlington, Ontario, to continue his career in Labour Relations at Ford Canada, he decided to leave car manufacturing and enter the world of hamburger manufacturing. He was a proud McDonald’s Owner/Operator of his first location in Strathroy, Ontario, in 1983, until his sale of the locations in Sarnia to his daughter, Colleen, in 2007 when he retired. He was always grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a global organization that allowed him to act locally and take care of his people. Clearly, after 17 years on the Human Resources advisory board for McDonald’s Canada he shared the belief with Ray Kroc that “none of us is as good as all of us”. His retirement provided time to enjoy his second home in the community of Renaissance Centre in Fort Myers, Florida. A place to golf with his fellow franchise operators and share it with visiting family and friends from the North. His favourite past time was travelling the world with his wife be it on the many wonderful cruises, or trips to visit his cousins in Italy, wine tours in France or incredible experiences in Japan, Russia, Hawaii, and especially his final trip to Africa. Las Vegas was always a favourite, and he and Pat visited more times than one could count. An expert at blackjack with his son-in-law and close friends. All will miss the late night vigils while “solving the problems of the world.” A proud father of his eldest daughter, Sister Christine Elizabeth (Dominican Sisters of Sparkhill). His example of academic achievement inspired her to pursue and complete four degrees. His youngest daughter and husband, Colleen and Peter, continue his legacy as McDonald’s Franchise Operators. His example and business lessons are present and thrive amongst Sarnia’s McFamily. Nothing made him smile more than seeing his grandson play ball, the most recent on “McHappy Day”, May 8th, or watching his granddaughter play piano and dance. Enjoying several Disney trips that will have so many lasting memories. He had the blessing of so many friends, especially his lifelong friends of Brian and Judi Dent. His bridge group of 25 years, friends of Forest City National Golf course where he enjoyed his time over the past few years. He loved golf and enjoyed his invitational golf tournaments especially the Cordenons Club Tournament, where he was able to reconnect each year with his extended and beloved family from both sides of the border. Mario was ultimately recognized and awarded by The Club for his business achievement as a next generation immigrant. He was also an annual participant of the Sarnia Pro-Am, as well as many golf tournaments to support his favourite charity, Ronald McDonald House of London, where he was one of the founding Board Members. Mario had many indulgences: loved his cars, to drink wine, travel the world and to golf, but most of all he loved his family. There was nothing that meant more to him than that; his family. In last days as he continued to fight against a seemingly insurmountable disease he fought to show his grandchildren to never give up, never surrender and never stop believing that God has a plan: even if we don’t understand it. We love you Mario, Husband, Brother, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Cousin, Godfather and friend. We will never forget you and every one of us are better people for having known you and loved you. God Bless, Mario Enzo De Anna. Visitation will be held at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Sunday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. with prayers at 6:45 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica, 196 Dufferin Avenue, London, on Monday, June 3rd, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Cremation to follow with interment at Heavenly Rest Cemetery, Windsor. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Mario are asked to consider Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario or Canadian Blood Services.