Arnold "Sonny" Canale, of Milton was born September 23, 1932, in Roslindale
and he never strayed far after that. One of ten children, Sonny was born during
the Great Depression. His first job was a paper route, actually two paper routes.
Jobs were at a premium and he was dropped off at Lombardi Florist at 12 years to
help support the family. A floral apprentice as a boy and a job he loved as an
adult.
Sonny joined the Navy in 1951 and served during the Korean War. Honorably
discharged from the Navy in 1955. He came home and bought his beloved
Lombardi Florist in 1957. In 1959, Sonny married Marie Russo and raised a family
in Roslindale.
Living across the street from 'the shop' Sonny was on call for friends, family, and
neighbors. They trusted him on the most special occasions in their lives; their first
dates, their weddings, their anniversaries, the birth of their children and most
importantly to him, their sorrows. He felt that it was his responsibility to beautify
their lives during their most tragic times. He did that with flowers.
Preceded in death by his parents Pasquale and Mary Canale. He is survived by his wife
Marie, his daughter Lauren and husband Paul, his son John and wife Angela, his
son Richard and wife Suzie, and his eight grandchildren, Briana, Amanda, Maria,
Kristina, Johnny, Ryan, Michael, and Lance, and his dog Coco.
A Funeral Mass will be said on Tuesday, April 18 at Sacred Heart Church, 169 Cummins Highway, Roslindale at 10am
In memory of Sonny, please give flowers to someone you love.