Antonio (Tony) Paris, at the age of 92, peacefully passed away on December 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He will be deeply missed, but there is comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beloved wife, Maria, his cherished grandson Franco, his sister Dora, his nephew Enrico, his niece Liana, and in laws Martino and Anna Maria.
Born in Celano, Italy, Tony immigrated to Vancouver in 1952, where he met and married his wife, Maria.
Tony leaves behind his devoted children: daughters Enrica and Anna (Bob) and son Angelo. He was a proud grandfather to his late grandson Franco, as well as Matthew (Karissa), Anthony, Jordan, Sofia, and Marco, and a great-grandfather to Gio Franco. He also leaves behind his beloved sister Giseppina and his sisters-in-law Rosanna and Sylvia (Louie).
Tony was a devoted family man, a respected community leader, and a successful businessman. In 1970, he founded Apollo Sheet Metal Ltd., which grew into a leading company in Vancouver’s sheet metal and air conditioning systems industry and became a contractor member of SMACNA-BC. Tony’s dedication to his industry and community was unparalleled. He served on numerous boards and committees, including:
- SMACNA-BC Board of Directors: 1975 to 1979, 1986 to 1994, and 1999 to May 2011
- SMACNA-BC President: 1977 to 1978 and 1988 to 1989
- SMART Local Union No. 280 / SMACNA-BC Joint Conference Board: 1978 to 1981 and 1987 to May 2012
- SMACNA Inc. National Board of Directors: 1990 to 1994
- Sheet Metal Industry Training Board: 1977 to 1980
- SMART Local Union No. 280 / SMACNA-BC Health Benefits Trustee: 1983 to May 2013
- Bid Depository Committee: 1991, and 1997 to 2011
- Negotiating Committee: 1991 to 2011
- Mechanical Contractors Association of BC Board of Directors: 2002 to 2004
Throughout his life, Tony made immense contributions through his generosity, philanthropy, and commitment to excellence.
For over 50 years, Tony dedicated himself to fundraising for the Show of Hearts Variety Telethon, raising substantial funds to improve the lives of countless children in need.
He was honoured with numerous awards, including the “Fedeltà al Lavoro e Progresso Economico” (Loyalty of Works and Economic Progress) award from the Italian Chamber of Commerce Government of Italy. He was inducted into SMACNA Inc. College of Fellows 2010 and received SMACNA-BC Life Membership 2016.
Tony was also a founding member of the Italian Cultural Centre, president for 14 years of the Circolo Abruzzese Club, and later named Honorary President, and Director of the Health & Benefit Plan for the Sheet Metal Sector of Vancouver.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to AnaMaria, Minerva, Besa, Navneet, and Amelia for their dedicated care of Tony. Special thanks also goes to Lina Fronzo from Annie’s Place Group Care for providing invaluable care and support.
Tony’s legacy as a family man, a pioneer in his industry, and a compassionate community leader will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
The Service of Christian Burial was held in January. ■
