Sebastiano "Bano" "Banino" Poma, passed away at his home in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by his loving family, on April 1, 2017. In his last days, Bano showed incredible strength and peace as he wanted to be with his wife, Antonia, and all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all at once. Sebastiano was not alone in his passing.

Sebastiano Poma was born on July 27, 1928 in Buseto Palizzolo, Sicily. His immediate family included his mother Maria, his father Antonino, his older sisters Paulina and Anna, and his younger brother Rosario. At the early age of 9, Sebastiano's father passed away, leaving him with the tough responsibility to care for his mother, brother and the family farm. This was a difficult responsibility for a boy at such a young age, but one that he accepted without complaint. Throughout his life, he understood and appreciated working hard, and doing what it took for his family. As many can attest, he never complained about the tough aspects of life, but instead, always pressed on, prideful of what he had and could provide his family.

While in Sicily, Bano met the love of his life, his wife, Antonia. A story of his early times with Antonia can be recounted; the time when Antonia's father insisted that they ride in separate carts on a day to the beach after the two had been engaged. Despite the traditional Sicilian approach to courtship, time proved that nothing would separate the bond between Bano and Antonia.

Bano's life in Sicily revolved around family and hard-work. It was here, in February of 1955, when he and Antonia had their first child, Anthony. After Tony's birth, the family took an opportunity to come to America, which they did in November of 1955.

Bano and his family settled in Detroit, Michigan after arriving in America. It was there that he made a life for his family. Bano and Antonia had three more children while in Detroit; Ciro, Rosario and Mary. It was in Michigan where Bano worked tirelessly doing whatever he could to support his family and provide them the most he could. Whether it was a career working at Ford, selling flowers, running a fruit stand, setting bowling pins, placing concrete, buying apartments, buying property, or his favorite of all, growing and selling Christmas Trees, Bano built a legacy. Many who knew Bano are familiar with his favorite Christmas tree farm high on a hill in Farwell, MI located on state road 10. It was this family farm where so many memories for Bano and his family were made. It was this farm where his grandchildren would visit year after year for priceless memories with their Nonno and Nonna. Almost all who know Bano well can picture him standing tall next to one of his blue spruce trees in his famous "Poma & Sons" hats.

Bano never did stop working. Upon retiring from Ford Motor Company, he continued his efforts in buying property and growing and selling Christmas trees. He also kept very busy with his grandchildren and travels back and forth from his home in Florida to his property in Michigan. Bano was known for always doing things his way. He was tough in the sense that he would do whatever he set his mind to. Though that caused the family earnest heartburn from time to time, it was part of what made him who he was, and something his family would never change.

Though Sebastiano has passed, he will always be at the heart of his family, and will be the source of stories, inspiration and memories for his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and future family members to be. Remembrances of Bano are far reaching, but most of all, he was loved by his family in ways that words cannot express.

They did not make very many men like him in his day, and even fewer nowadays. The world is a different place without him. He will be missed beyond measure, but will watch over his family from heaven. He will be in heaven, joined by his mother, father, sister and brother.

God bless, Bano. God bless, Nonno. You will never be forgotten. May you be in peace forever.