SPADINI: Patrick “Pat” Pasqualino of London

Pat was born to Italian immigrant parents (Franco and Rina Spadini) in Windsor Ontario and loved to recount the stories of growing up on Wellington Ave, with his younger siblings, Maria and Frank, and his extended family. He cherished his Italian heritage, and in his final days he enjoyed reminiscing of his youth with those he shared that time of life.

Pat chose to become a teacher which allowed him to reveal his passion for The Arts and theatre to young people. Those fortunate enough to be either a part of his productions or in an audience, were wonderstruck. He empowered young people to find themselves, and their greatness. In his final days he recounted some of his favorite productions, Little Shop of Horrors and Big River at JPII, and Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Miserables at CCH. His love of theatre extended beyond the classroom, into the summers where he was an Artistic Director at Port Stanley Festival Theatre, and the Inaugural Artistic Director at the Pelee Island Theatre. His shows, which included many Norm Foster plays, delighted audiences night after night.

Another of Pat’s passions was the game of golf. He excelled in the game and enjoyed a few claims to fame in tournament play, as well as a hole in one at his beloved Oaks Golf and Country Club. He loved to play golf with friends. In his retirement , he spent his winters in Florida at Bobcat, living his dreams on the greens, in a snappy outfit or two.

His one true love beyond all of these things was his dearest Shannon. Their love story had many chapters and in his final days, she was there to curl up with him and be by his side until the very end. Although he was proud of all of his achievements, his pride and joy was being a Nonno to 4 beautiful grandchildren: Arabella, Vera, Milo, and Emilia. He felt truly blessed and proud to watch his daughters, Karla and Laura, grow to become exceptional women and mothers, crediting their strong work ethic and persistent nature to their upbringing. He will will be dearly missed.

The world will never quite feel the same but our family is thankful for all of those who visited, called, or wrote to him during his final chapter. There was never going to be enough time with him, but the time we had was precious and meaningful. The kindness and care shown by the staff in the various LHSC departments at Victoria Hospital and at St Joseph’s Hospice, is unparalleled and beyond words.

We will remember his spark, his love, his friendship, and the way he made us feel. Even in his final days, Pat continued to teach all of us about life through his humility, love, acceptance of life’s mystery, and gratitude.

A special student of Pat’s wrote these words that summed things up perfectly:

USA few years ago, I read that one of the Latin roots of the word Education is educere — to “draw out” someone’s potential. As soon as I read that, I thought of you.”

As the final curtain draws to a close, we will choose to honour him by embracing challenges and finding joy in the simple things. We love you Dad.

Donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice would be appreciated  by the family.