BARONE, Raffaele

Your Story, Mine

Thank you Dad for giving me a life full of love, kindness, extra patience and joyful memories. A life full of rich experiences, as a little boy by your side encouraging me to climb the daunting step ladder to reach the upper floor of flats under construction at Windsor Ave, watching you demolish walls at Magill Rd Kensington Gardens with the all important handkerchief tied with knots in each corner to prevent dust getting into your hair or was that the PPE hard hat? This continued with many building projects including to be a witness of the construction of Campania Club. In business joining you as a travelling salesman throughout Adelaide, SA regional and interstate as you established and built up your business, you gave an example of determination and hard work to succeed. In all this , you trusted me, you threw in the deep end, challenged me to learn and gain skills, which I am forever grateful. You were a doer, you got the job done, you were productive, you claimed to be the three R’s , Ralph, Rough & Ready but you weren’t, you were outstanding Dad. A life full of achievements in the Family, Business, Sports and in your service to the community. You gave us all a good laugh, you didn’t care if the joke was on you, if it was funny it was worthy of a laugh for all to enjoy. You were a fighter, you survived years of heart disease not knowing if you would ever meet your grandchildren, and you did Dad, you were blessed to meet your two Great Grandchildren. The grandchildren were gifted with the best ever Nonno, so much love and admiration for each other. They will hold you close to their hearts , the golden memories of their Nonno Ralph.

I hope and prayer we have both got it right Dad, so I can see you again in the Father’s House, where the bocce court is laid in gold, where the fish are always on the bite and the wine clings to the glass.

Love always your Son, Giovanni Barone known as John

Father together with Annette of your Grandchildren

Alexander John and Sanja

Nicholas James

Raphael Joshua

Ella Rose

and Great Granddaughter Francesca