“A man of suffering who knew what sickness was” (Isaiah 53: 3). I cannot think of any words worthier than these as I try to bring my feelings together at the passing of such a sincere and true friend as Anthony Portelli was.

Toni, as he was dearly known by everyone, was an English language teacher at the Sacred Heart Minor Seminary School, in Victoria. Having lived in New York for some time, he subsequently returned to his native island to look after two severely-disabled children whom he considered the apple of his eye.

Together with his wife, Maria, and daughter Rebecca, Toni gave his undivided attention to his three children, taking special care of Matthew and Maria who both required constant attention and supervision.

Toni could neither take holidays nor be away from home for more than half a dozen hours a day due to the difficult condition that prevailed in his family. What astounded me and so many others was the fact that he carried a lovely smile all day long. He managed to continue teaching and assisting in the school library and, at the same time, looking after his family.

There was a sense of joviality and happiness that radiated out of him. I still do not understand from where he managed to get his strength to continue living his life to the full despite all the difficulties he had to confront; I sense that his faith was what kept him going throughout all these years.

Over the last seven years, I had the privilege of getting to know him quite well. Toni’s sense of kindness, warm-heartedness and generosity were classical.

He was loved by teachers, LSAs and students alike.

His passing away tests my faith in such an unpredictable manner since I cannot understand how death can strike at a husband and a father whose presence is needed so much among his dear ones. It is so true that God’s plans are so divergent from ours.

Dear Toni, I shall miss you terribly, but, at least, you are now at peace interceding for your dear ones from above.