Obituary of Norando Meconi

MECONI, Norando It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Norando Meconi at age 78, on Saturday, November 1st, 2008. He passed away suddenly but peacefully in his own home after a lifetime of devotion to his family. He is survived by his closest and best friend, and love of his life for 54 years, his wife Velma (nee Pavan). Devoted father of Mariano Meconi, Frances Zanchetta (Renato), Mary Catherine Gaasenbeek (Rich), Louise Enright (Greg) and Julia Meconi. Loving Nonno to Gavin and Marc Meconi, David and Carolyn Zanchetta, Nicole, Andrew, Brandon and Elise Gaasenbeek, Christine, Matthew and Stephanie Enright, and John and Emily Spengemann. Predeceased by his parents Luigi Meconi and Emilia (nee Cocchetto), brothers Henry and Frank and sister Claire Ryall. Born and raised in Windsor, Norando graduated from Assumption College/ University of Western Ontario in 1951 and went on to earn his Law degree from Osgoode Hall, in 1955. He returned to Windsor where he practiced law until his passing. His distinguished legal career included appointment as Queen's Counsel (Q.C.) and 18 years of service as Deputy Judge of the Superior Court of Justice. In 1964, Norando moved his young family to Lakeview Farm near Puce in the Town of Lakeshore. While continuing his legal practice in Windsor, he worked tirelessly and joyously on the farm which grew to become his personal piece of "heaven on earth". An active member of the community, Norando was a former Reeve of Maidstone Township and sat on various boards and committees during his tenure. He was also a member of the Giovanni Caboto Club He also served as past lector at St. William's Church in Emeryville, and lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Alphonsus Church in Windsor. Norando had a wonderful sense of humour and enjoyed his simple passions. Beyond alfresco dinners and wine-making weekends with family, he loved all beauty in the form of music, art, architecture, landscapes, gardens and language. But above all else, he loved and cherished his family which he leaves behind with countless memories of loving and joyous times. Visitation will be held at the WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E., on Monday, November 3, 2008 from 7 - 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 -5 and 7 -9 p.m. Prayers Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. from the Funeral Home, then to St. Alphonsus Church for Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com