Michael Stephen Zinghini

Michael Stephen Zinghini was born on 5™ February 1966 at Bankstown hospital to Paolina and Antonio Zinghini.

My father started his life in a small family home at 22 Stafford Street, South Granville. He was baptized as a Catholic in the Holy Family Church, Granville.

Dad started his schooling at Blaxcell Public Primary School and always a quiet and humble child that kept to himself.

1977 —— Dad along with his parents and four siblings Tony, Maria, Vincenzo and Adriano moved to 16 Links Avenue, Cabramatta West.

As everyone knows my father was the hardest and most dedicated worker. He started working in his late years of primary school doing the paper run before and after school.

This strong work ethic continued throughout his life until he fell sick and he was unable to work.

From a young age Dad loved and supported the Parramatta Eels - as you can see here today. He supported them to the very end. This is something he shared with his grandfather who served in the light horse brigade during World War 1 and 2.

1979 —— Dad's parents separated. His siblings moving in with their mother while my dad stayed with his father in Cabramatta.

My Nono went on to marry Tanina who also played a big role in Dad's upbringing.

Dad left school in 1981 and started working as a fitter at Fred Hosking, a printing firm in Concord He told the company he was 16 (which he wasn't ), enabling him to get the job, which he held for the next 23 years.

He proved himself to be a dedicated employee for those years.

1985 —— Dad met my mum who would soon become his wife. My dad actually lied about his age again, convincing my gullible mother that he was 22 turning 23 when in fact he was only 19, I think my dad’s good looks were too much for mum to handle so she just went along with it.

1928 —— Michael and Phyllis bought their first home in Oxley Park. This would be the

nesting ground of the Zinghini family,

A home filled with love and memories that will be cherished forever. It was also often the meeting ground of our extended family and friends. Dad welcomed everyone and catered for all — he had the biggest heart

1988 —— After three years of courtship Michael and Phyllis decided to tie the knot on 10 April 1988.

Due to Michael being a Catholic and Phyllis a Seventh Day Adventist, they chose to marry in a neutral church, the church of Christ in Penrith, with their reception in Springwood.

Michael and Phyllis spent their honeymoon settling down in their new house.

1990 —— It wasn't until 1990 that they went on their proper honeymoon in America, staying in Hawaii and Los Angeles.

In 1990 Michael and Phyllis welcomed their first-born into the world, Estelle Ann Zinghini. This sparked new beginnings for the small Zinghini family. Due to Michael and Phyllis unable to afford childcare, Michael decided to take on a 2nd job as a security officer, beginning at Collectors Tavern in Parramatta, Castle Hill RSL, and Blacktown Workers. He eventually got a permanent job at Penrith RSL, which would be his work place for the next 26 years, with plans to stay there until retirement.

1992 —— Michael and Phyllis welcomed their second-born and Michael's namesake, Michael Luke Zinghini.

1996 —— Four years later Michael and Phyllis surprisingly welcomed their youngest child, Andrew Feagaiga Zinghini to their family.

2009 —— Dad continued to work around the clock to give us the best life possible.

Then in 2009 to Dad's surprise he became a grandfather at the age of 42.

He supported us so much as young parents, for which we will be eternally grateful.

Over the years Dad had the joy of being grandfather to Kahmani, Jesse Junior, Ariella, and Zekiah - they love their Grandpa so much.

From 2009 Dad realised that he needed to start enjoying life. We started taking family trips to Thailand, Indonesia and Samoa. Dad also did a trip on his own to visit my family and spent time with us on the other side of the world.

2017 —— my Dad's world came crashing down when he lost his mother, my Nona.

It was September 2018 when we received the horrible news that Dad was diagnosed with Mylo Dysplasia Syndrome. Dad was told if he didn't go ahead with the treatment his life expectancy would likely be 2 years. Dad was determined to fight it and do everything possible to have a long life.

2019 —— In February 2019, Dad was admitted to hospital to start intense chemotherapy and have a bone marrow transplant. Dad was strong through it all. After being in hospital for 6 weeks he finally came home. We were all so happy and relieved and after a couple of appointments we got the great news that Dad was in remission. Everything looked positive but that was short-lived. Dad was admitted back into hospital with excruciating pain. The doctors diagnosed Dad with Graft v Host disease, which can be a side effect from the transplant.

Dad fought for his life but God had other plans for him. Dad accepted it was his time even though we weren't ready to let him go. Dad took his last breath on Monday night, 27th May 2019

In Westmead Hospital ICU

Surrounded by all this loved ones

Farewell Dad, till we meet again in heaven.