SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Staff at a Summerside seniors’ residence didn’t have to pack a lunch on Friday.
Don Cantelo bought all the workers at Summerset Manor pizza to say thank you for the care his father, Lloyd Cantelo, received until his death last month.
“The pizza day today is in recognition of the great work the Summerset Manor staff have done since my father came here in November of 2015,” said Cantelo, whose father was living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The last 24 hours of his dad’s life and the care he received during that time were what really moved Cantelo.
As his father neared the end, he watched many of the staff came to say goodbye.
“A lot of them (were) in tears," said Cantelo. "Many knew that when they came back, he would probably be gone. And as I sat there, and as they came in to say goodbye — that was more touching than anything.
“To me that was pretty outstanding, really.”
Cantelo appreciated the affection and love he saw from the staff.
“I felt that I wasn’t in it alone. They just made it that much easier.”
Cantelo has lost his mother and aunt recently as well. His father’s death marks the end of a long journey.
His eyes welled up as he spoke of his family.
“It’s been quite a struggle, that part.”
Cantelo was so inspired with the care his dad received, he signed up to be a volunteer at the manor.
“It’s wonderful,” said Summerset’s recreation manager, Candy Beaton. “He’s doing a lot of one-to-one visits, which I know the team appreciates and the residents appreciate.”
Cantelo visits almost daily to spend quality time chatting with residents who prefer to stay in their rooms.
“Our volunteers really help out our recreation department and other teams, to provide some programming," Beaton said.
Along with the pizza and a financial donation, Cantelo donated a print in memory of his father. On the back are photographs of his parents, Lloyd and Helen.
His parents both gave a lot of their time to community organizations, and he hopes to carry on that legacy.
“Volunteering was very, very important for both of them," he said. "I think some of that has gotten into my blood now."
