Antonio E. Polesel, 84, of Hillsboro died Oct. 11, 2019, at his home. Mr. Polesel was born Sept. 15, 1935, in Cessalto, Italy, the son of the late Enrico and Teresa (Tomasella) Polesel, and immigrated from Italy with his family in 1952. He served with the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1956 and later obtained certification as an electronics technician. He was the owner and operator of Venice Television in Oakville from 1967 to 1989. After retirement he moved to Hillsboro and founded Villa Antonio Winery, where he continued to work and live until his death. He will be remembered for his gentle greatness, bushy eyebrows, and his deep love of life, people and wine.
He is survived by his wife: Fernanda (Tarticchio) Polesel, whom he married on April 22, 1967, at St. Ambrose Church on the Hill in St. Louis; two children: Claudia (Ian) Poertner and Thomas (Adriana) Polesel; three grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by three sisters: Irma (Giuseppe) Franzin, Licia (Carlos) Arizpe and Malvina (Aldo) Milanese.
Two celebration of life ceremonies are planned. The first is an open celebration during business hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Villa Antonio Winery. Family members and winery staff will be on hand to greet well-wishers throughout the day.
A private celebration for employees, friends and relatives will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at the winery. Guests are asked to bring a dessert, appetizer or bottle of favorite wine; lunch will be provided.