Antonio (Nino) Rismondo (right) loved working at York University. As a carpenter at York’s Keele campus, Mr. Rismondo took great pride in the institution and worked hard to maintain it. So great was his regard for York that he encouraged both his daughters to work for the University. On April 16, York University lost a proud and dedicated member of its community when Mr. Rismondo died of cancer at his home.
Born on Aug. 9, 1931, in Rovigno, Italy, Mr. Rismondo came to Canada in 1951. He was joined by his wife Pina, who came to Canada in 1955. Mr. Rismondo initially trained in Italy as a pastry chef, then pursued other skilled trades after coming to Canada.
In 1978, he joined York University’s Facilities Services as a carpenter and continued to work at the Keele campus until he retired in 1997. Intensely proud of his association with the University, Mr. Rismondo encouraged his two daughters to pursue their careers at York. They listened and both have established their careers at York’s Keele campus. His older daughter, Luana Jursza, is director of information technology in the Office of the Assistant Vice-President Finance & CFO at York, while his younger daughter, Luisa Robinson, is an assessor of advanced standing with Assessment & Operations, Admissions.
Sadly, Mr. Rismondo died just one month after being diagnosed with liver cancer. “The response from the York community has been completely overwhelming and our family has been both proud and appreciative of the demonstration of caring for our father,” said Luana.
Mr. Rismondo leaves his wife Pina, his daughters Luana and Luisa and their husbands, and four grandchildren. Donations in memory of Mr. Rismondo can be sent to the York University Foundation, which will direct all gifts to a fund established in his memory. It is the wish of his family that a memorial tree be planted on the Keele campus. A memorial donation pledge form is available here.
For more information about where to send a donation, contact Smriti Kapoor, business analyst, York University Foundation, at 416-650- 8209 or e-mail smriti@yorkfoundation.yorku.ca.