Antoinetta Lomonaco, who is turning 100 in December, continues to stay active and engaged. She remains involved in her family's business, Sorrento's Restaurant at the Caboto Centre, where she contributes by making pizzas. This information was reported by Jamie Dowsett on CTV News Winnipeg.
Antoinetta Lomonaco, who is about to celebrate her 100th birthday, has chosen a unique retirement path. Unlike many who look forward to leaving the workforce, Lomonaco retired from her full-time job and transitioned into a new role at her family's restaurant. Even at this remarkable age, she continues to actively contribute to Sorrento's Restaurant at the Caboto Centre, working three shifts a week.
On a regular Tuesday morning, Lomonaco arrives for her shift, where her primary responsibility is crafting pizzas—a task she has mastered over the years. Her son, Gerry Lomonaco, the restaurant owner, shared that Antoinetta officially retired around the age of 65 but wasted no time in joining the family business the very next day.
Gerry fondly recalls his mother's dedication, stating, "Basically the next day she came and started hanging out with us at the restaurant and working with us." Fast forward 35 years, and Antoinetta still stands side-by-side with her family, diligently perfecting every pizza she prepares.
In an Italian interview with CTV News, Lomonaco expressed her belief that the key components of a perfect pizza are the sauce and the dough. Her goal remains unwavering: to ensure each pizza meets her high standards.
Gerry humorously remarked, "Before, she was like Chef (Gordon) Ramsay, and now not as much. No, she was always perfect. She was pretty calm and patient overall."
Surprisingly, there's no need to coax the spry centenarian to work; instead, she eagerly anticipates her shifts. Maria Bruni, Lomonaco's daughter, revealed, "She gets up in the morning, and her first question is, 'Who's going to come and pick me up to go to the Caboto Centre?'" Bruni added that if her mother had her way, she would be at the restaurant every day.
Working at the family restaurant has proven to be beneficial for Lomonaco, providing opportunities for physical activity and social engagement. Gerry highlighted the unique aspect of having the entire family working together, describing it as a luxury not many people experience in their workplaces.
As Lomonaco approaches her centenary milestone, the secret to her longevity, according to Bruni, lies in a hearty breakfast, a good evening meal, and, notably, a glass of wine with her dinner. However, Lomonaco herself attributes her long and happy life to being content and surrounded by family—an invaluable sentiment that continues to drive her passion for crafting the perfect pizza.
