Berardino “Dino” Porretta
elevated 5v0OY Berardino “Dino” Porretta
April 21, 1940 ~ September 10, 2026
elevated 5v0OY Visitation
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 4 – 8 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated 5v0OY Funeral Service
Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 10:30 am
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated 5v0OY Click here to watch the service *please note the recording will begin 10 minutes prior to service time*
elevated 5v0OY Reception
To take place following the service at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated 5v0OY Cremation – To be held privately
elevated 5v0OY
elevated 5v0OY Obituary
It is with sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Berardino (Dino) Porretta in Newmarket, surrounded by the love of his family.
elevated 5v0OY Dino was born in Sora, Frosinone, Italy, to the late Tommaso and Anna Porretta. He was the beloved husband of Anna Ornella for 59 wonderful years, just three months shy of celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this December.
elevated 5v0OY Dino was an exceptional gentleman whose life was defined by dedication, discipline, love, and an unwavering devotion to his family. He was an accomplished and published professional engineer whose research and technology have influenced how we use electricity today. His intelligence, curiosity, and commitment to his work were an important part of who he was, but his greatest pride and joy was always his family.
elevated 5v0OY Dino was the loving and devoted husband of Anna Ornella, proud and loving father of Sandra (Ben), Patricia (Danny), and Steven (Natasha), and a proud and devoted Nonno to Stephanie (Dan), Daniel, Alana, and Matthew. He is survived by his brother Antonio (Graziella) and was predeceased by his sister Giovanna (the late Antonio). He cherished his family deeply and created a lifetime of wonderful memories that will be treasured forever.
elevated 5v0OY A gifted builder in every sense of the word, one of Dino’s greatest pastimes was building the homes and cottages that became places where his family could gather, grow, and enjoy life together. His hands and his heart helped create spaces filled with love, laughter, and countless family memories.
elevated 5v0OY Dino was also an incredible athlete. His discipline, determination, and commitment were inspiring to those around him. He approached life with that same strength and perseverance, always giving his very best.
elevated 5v0OY The family would like to sincerely thank the nurses and staff of Margaret Bahen Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and care they gave to our father and to our family.
elevated 5v0OY We are grateful for the many years, memories, lessons, laughter, and love that Dino gave us. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy in his family and in the lives of all those he touched.
elevated 5v0OY Dino will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He will remain forever in our hearts.
My deepest sympathy to Sandra and the whole family. May the good lord comfort you all and help you heal from this loss.
My deepest sympathies to Sandra and the whole family. May his memory always be a blessing
Dear Coach Sandra,
Although no words can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss, please accept my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved father, Mr. Berardino “Dino” Porretta.
My thoughts are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Wishing you and your loved ones strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Sandra, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Please know that I’m thinking of you and your family, Sandra. May your father rest in peace, and may his memory always remain close to your heart. ❤️
Sandra, So sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. RIP
Non ci sono parole giuste in momenti come questo, ma volevo solo dirvi che vi sono vicino con tutto il cuore. Lo zio era una persona speciale e il suo modo di fare, la sua risata e la sua bontà resteranno sempre con noi. Vi stringo in un abbraccio fortissimo.
Vi siamo vicini con il cuore per la perdita di zio Dino. Non lo dimenticheremo mai. Tonino, Teresa, Marco, Graziano Macrì e famiglia
Dear Stephanie, Sandra and family,
Such a beautiful tribute to your grandfather and father!
Our hearts are with you as you continue to honour your wonderful grandfather and father.
Love and comforting hugs,
Imma and Fred Lepper
Sandra,
My sympathy for the loss of Dino – He was a technically brilliant, energetic and fun individual. I had the good fortune of having Dino in two my organizations at Ontario Hydro as well as an Associate of our firm (AESI) for a number of years after he retired.
He will be remembered with admiration and love.
Don
Dear Sandra,
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Wishing you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.
Sandra, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.
My condolences and prayers to the family in the passing of your father. Dino was an amzaing gentleman. I got to know Dino like a father during our time together at Lyndhurst. He was a soft caring gentleman who I enjoyed laughing and conversing daily during our time together. Dino will be remembered in our hearts.
Lloyd Sudeyko and Iain McIlveen.
Dear Sandra
Sending my deepest condolences. What a wonderful, accomplished life your father lived. May he rest in peace.
Dear Zia Ornella, Sandra (Ben), Patricia (Danny), Steven (Natasha) and families,
We are heartbroken at the loss of your husband and father. Our hearts are filled with such beautiful memories of those special years at Chandos Lake — our Dads building the cottages and our Moms creating gourmet dinners on a propane Coleman stove, all while we happily explored the lake and made memories together.
Those were truly precious times, and we will treasure them always.
May your Dad’s spirit rest peacefully, and that you feel his presence guiding and watching over you always.
With all our love and deepest condolences. ❤️
Sean, Connie, Alexandra (Jay), Nicholaus (Heather), Katheryn (Dom)
Dear Sandra: Sincere condolences to you and all your family.
Cherish the memories.
Dear Zia Ornella, Sandra (Ben), Patricia (Danny), Steven (Natasha), and families,
Our deepest condolences to you all on the passing of Zio Dino. There are so many wonderful memories to cherish, and the time we spent together at the cottages will always be among the most special.
Zio Dino will be deeply missed. His warmth, kindness, and the many moments we shared with him will remain in our hearts and continue to be remembered for years to come.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Domenic, Julia, Sophia & James Bucciarelli
Dear Sandra,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you. Wishing you and your family strength and peace during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Dearest Zia Ornella, Sandra, Ben, Patricia, Danny, Steven, Natasha, Stephanie, Daniel, Alana and Matthew,
We extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your wonderful father/grandfather. I know he will be greatly missed.
Much love from cousins,
Angelo, Angela, Sara and Joseph
Sincere condolences to the family for your loss. Praying for love and grace for you all in this difficult time. May your father rest in peace with the Lord for eternity.
I first had the pleasure of meeting Dino in the 1980’s when he was at 700 University and my office was on Richmond St. West. I remember he used to go jogging at lunch. I was able to see his family grow and prosper over the years, and was proud to call him and Anna my clients and friends. He was a good man who loved and cherished his family. My deepest condolences to the family.
For many years at GSOC I had fun sparring with Dino about how databases should be designed. We never agreed with each other, but it did not matter. We were always friends in the end! I tried to inspire him to write a book called “Pull Your Own Socks Up!!” filled with “old man” wisdom about how kids these days need to grow up!!!