Anthony (Tony) Bertucci and Alessandra (Sandra) Crocetti

Antonio (Tony) Bertucci, son of Cesare Bertucci and Anna Cavani, was born in 1926 in Penticossi, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy.  The second eldest son, he had an older brother, Alfonso, and two younger brothers, Vincenzo and Angelo.  Although described as a talented student by his teacher, he was unable to further his studies. He worked as a stone mason, along side his father, to help support the family.
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In 1948, Tony married his childhood sweetheart, Alessandra (Sandra) Crocetti.  She was born in 1926 to Ida Rossi and Enrico Crocetti, in the same small village in Tuscany.  Their daughter, Anna, was born in Italy.
In search of opportunity and a better future, Tony immigrated to Canada in 1950, leaving behind his wife and young daughter. He spent a short time in Penticton, BC, with his uncle, Carlo Cavani, who had sponsored him to come to Canada.  He made his way to Kelowna, picking grapes and doing various jobs until he secured employment with Calona Wines.

In 1952, Sandra, and daughter, Anna, made the long journey from Italy to reunite with Tony in Kelowna, BC.  In 1955, their second daughter, Lorraine, was born.  Tony secured employment with Calona Wines, until his retirement at the age of sixty-two.  Sandra was a seamstress by trade.  She worked for Henderson’s Dry Cleaners for many years.  In the evenings, she did alterations for the Bay, in the men’s department.

Tony was one of the founding members of the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club, as well as one of the founders and presidents of the Kelowna Bocce Club.  He was a remarkable bocce player, winning the gold medal at the Seniors Summer Games with Gianni Lunardi, his doubles partner. An avid sports fan, Tony loved all sports: The Kelowna Packers in the 60s, The Montreal Canadiens, and his beloved Inter soccer team.  He was a season’s ticket holder for the Kelowna Rockets for many years.  The World Cup soccer games were always a long awaited and welcomed event.

Over the years, Sandra and Tony travelled to Italy, many times. They were blessed to be surrounded by their grandchildren: Melanie, Christian, Migell, Jessica, Anthony and Alexander.  They enjoyed many family dinners made by Sandra, who was a phenomenal cook!

Sandra passed away in 2016, at 89 years of age, leaving Tony to be cared for by his daughters, Anna and Lorraine. Tony passed away in 2020, at 94 years of age, at home, surrounded by family.  They are interred together at the Kelowna Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
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Lorraine Bertucci Haines, daughter