Antonio Loiacono funeral hears emotional tributes from mother, father
Footballer Antonio Loiacono lived a “jam-packed life” and had a unique ability to pull everyone together, his mother has told his funeral.
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A South Australian country footballer who died after a heavy collision during his club’s season-opening match has been farewelled in an emotional service.
Friends and family of Antonio Loiacono, 20, who died after being knocked unconscious while playing for Birdwood in the Hills Football League, gathered at the Harrison Rivergum Chapel in Adelaide’s northeast to send off their son, brother, partner and mate.
Mr Loiacono’s mother Wendy Smith paid tribute to her son, who she remembered as her “protector” and her “inspiration”.
“He lived a jam-packed life,” Ms Smith said of her son. “He didn’t care and that is what I loved about him so much.
“He always inspired me to be bold, brave and get out of my comfort zone.
“Antonio was a master at connecting with people of all ages and from all walks of life.
“He had a unique ability to pull everyone together, creating a bubble of belonging and closeness.”
Six of Mr Loiacono’s organs were donated.
“On the dawn of Anzac Day, I walked through the hospital corridors holding his hand for the last time, being his protector, feeling honoured to be his mum,” Ms Smith said.
“I cannot explain the gratitude that was filling my own cup.
“He went on to save many lives that day … Antonio is the gift that keeps giving.”
“Whoever has his heart is a lucky person,” Mr Loiacono’s father Sal Loiacono said in his own eulogy.
“Antonio was one of life’s top blokes.”
Ms Smith said Mr Loiacono’s brain would be donated to the Australian Sports Brain Bank to help better understand concussion in amateur sports.
“Antonio will be the youngest amateur Aussie rules player to have donated his brain to assist with further research.”
Ahead of the service, Ms Smith told The Advertiser there needed to be a “greater understanding of the after affects of head trauma in amateur football as the younger generation of players work their way up the ranks to play professional sport”.
During his eulogy, Mr Loiacono’s father Sal shared memories of hiking through New South Wales and riding motorbikes with his beloved son.
He also said his son had suffered several head knocks while playing football and had been diagnosed with a brain condition that had required he undergo procedures to relieve pressure on his brain.
“Antonio had quite a few head knocks from playing football, with some resulting in concussions,” he said.
Mr Loiacono’s father said his son had given up football a few years ago after suffering a concussion in a premiership win but returned to the sport in 2022.
“It was a catastrophic head injury,” he said of the collision that led to his son’s death. “A tragic accident.”
Mr Loiacono’s 21st birthday will be celebrated in Cadell in the Riverland, where he spent time working on fruit blocks.
“He was a lover not a fighter and encouraged peace,” Mr Loiacono’s father said.
After the service, hundreds of mourners gathered at the Hope Valley Football Club, where Mr Loiacono played junior football, watching on as his coffin was driven through a guard of honour on the field.
“Even in this tragedy, Antonio is bringing family and friends closer together,” Sal Loiacono said. “We have never been so close.”
Originally published as Antonio Loiacono funeral hears emotional tributes from mother, father
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