Carmelo Grixti
elevated 9D2Ui October 26, 1926 ~ April 3, 2026
elevated 9D2Ui Visitation
Monday, April 13, 2026 from 11 am – 1:15 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated 9D2Ui Funeral Mass
Monday, April 13, 2026 at 1:30 pm
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated 9D2Ui Click here to watch the mass
elevated 9D2Ui Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated 9D2Ui God called Carmelo Grixti peacefully home in his 99th year on April 3rd, 2026 (Good Friday), with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 26, 1926, in the quiet village of Gudia Malta to Giovanni and Carmela Grixti (nee Baldacchino). Growing up in a modest home surrounded by his five sisters, from a young age, Carmelo carried the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His family was not wealthy, and life in Malta during those years was humble and often difficult. Even as a boy, Carmelo showed signs of a big heart and a generous spirit. He helped his mother raise his sisters, fetched water, and contributed to chores at home
elevated 9D2Ui At eighteen, Carmelo joined the British Royal Navy, embarking on a path that would profoundly shape his life. He served proudly as a cook aboard several vessels and stone frigates, including the St Angelo, Wolfe, Faith, Venus, Vigo, Striker, and St Kitts.
elevated 9D2Ui In 1957, seeking better opportunities, Carmelo left Malta alone and traveled
by ship to North America. He docked in New York and then traveled by train to St Paul Quebec. Unable to find steady work there, he made the decision to move to Toronto. There, he found employment at a Maltese restaurant on Dundas Street—his first job in the new country. This marked the beginning of his Canadian journey.
elevated 9D2Ui Six months later, Nina and their two sons joined him in Toronto, reuniting the young family and beginning a new chapter together. Carmelo began working in retirement homes, a career he would dedicate himself to for decades. He had a deep respect for elders and took pride in ensuring their comfort, care, and nourishment.
elevated 9D2Ui Carmelo Grixti is a man of duty, devotion, and deep love. His life, though marked by struggle and sacrifice, was filled with joy, pride, and purpose. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who still tell his stories, cook his recipes, and carry forward the warmth he brought to every room he entered. His is a story of an immigrant’s dreams, a father’s sacrifices, a husband’s faithfulness, and a grandfather’s legacy—a life truly well lived.
elevated 9D2Ui He is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wife Antonia Grixti. Loving father to Joseph (Mariola), William (Nancy- deceased), Dorothy (George-deceased), David (Lise) and Randy (Lisa). Cherished grandfather of 10 grandchildren and great grandfather of 11 great grandchildren.
Nice tribute Dave.
Dad would be proud.
I have fond childhood memories of Uncle Charlie as far back as I could remember especially around the holidays. Both are families would gather at his and Aunt Nina’s home where presents were exchanged and food and drink served. As we got older, the Maltese hospitality never wavered when we visited. The spread of food he would present was fit for dignitaries. He would basically empty his fridge and liquor cabinet.
One funny anecdote was when our parents went out for dinner, Uncle Charlie would excuse himself from the table (usually just after they ordered) feigning a visit to the bathroom, to secretly pay for the meal…much to my parents’ frustration.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joe. Bill, Dorothy, Randy. David and their families.
Your dad was a good man.
Probably the best memory I have about dad is when he came up with us for 2 weeks at combermere lodge. We went fishing everyday down conroy marsh off the madawaska river. He was the happiest at that time. He loved catching and cooking the fish for everyone. I miss his fish cakes that he used to prepare. I remember one time we were fishing near a sandbar and dad hooked into a huge pike. He fought that thing for 10 minutes until it finally broke his line. Well for the ride back to the cottage he kept saying I always loose the big ones. But he made up for it a couple of days later when he landed a 4lb bass fishing on shore in front of the cottage. He actually loved fishing as much as I did. Another fishing day I recall was when I took mom and dad on lake Simcoe for lake trout. Mom and dad took turns jigging for lake trout. Guess who caught an 8 lb laker. Wrong guess it was mom. It was so funny seeing dad proud of mom’s big catch. Me and dad didn’t get anything that day. Dad cooked that fish and made fantastic fish cakes that same day. I miss him terribly and life will not be the same without him. Rest in peace dad and say hello to mom for me.
Thanks Joe for being there with him week in and week out. And making sure he got to celebrate the holidays with family.
I will always remember grandpa’s love and kindness. I remember inviting grandpa and grandma over for dinner. I had prepared a turkey for the first time. It looked a beautiful golden brown colour, and I asked grandpa to do the honours of carving it. To his surprise and mine, the inside of the turkey was raw! Grandpa was hungry, but patiently explained how long a turkey takes to cook. We put it back in the oven, and I ordered some food. That was my first lesson on cooking a turkey! Now I need to learn how to make his famous potato balls!
I am so happy that we got to celebrate your 99th birthday together, Grandpa! You told John and me stories about the war and about how grandma wanted to go back to Canada to meet her first grandchild! I still remember the first time I met you and grandma! I felt so loved! I miss you so much grandpa! Give Grandma a big hug from me.
I remember when Mom and Dad came back from Malta, how excited we all were to be reunited after eight long years apart. Then, on April 16— their wedding anniversary— they came to our home, where Nancy and I had our marriage blessed by our parish priest in the Catholic Church. It was such a meaningful day for all of us.
What I will never forget is when Dad took me aside, placed his hand on my shoulder, and told me how proud he was of me. Those words meant everything. Coming from him, they made me feel like a million dollars, and that feeling has stayed with me ever since.
Dad was always there for us—strong, loving, and devoted to his family. Some of my most treasured memories are the beautiful Sunday meals we shared when we were kids. The warmth of those moments, the laughter around the table, and especially his Maltese baked pasta and roasted chicken—my absolute favorite—made those family dinners truly special.
Dad, I love you. Thank you for those memories, for your love, and for always being there for us.
I first met Charlie in Malta when I travelled around the world about 38 years ago. Randy and Lisa (my sister) were there with Charlie and NIna and my friend and I took a slight detour from our travels to see them. Nina and Charlie graciously invited us to stay at their place while we visited. Visiting them and seeing Malta was one of the highlights of our trip, which I will never forget. It was also very interesting listening to Nina and Charlie recount their time growning up in Malta, expecially through the very scary times of World War II.
It was always a treat when I had the opportunity to see both Nina and Charlie when I visited Ontario.
Charlie was a quiet, kind, and interesting person and I could tell he was devoted to his family. I know he will be greatly missed. I take comfort in thinking he is now with his beloved Nina.
My heart and deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
I mourn the passing of Uncle Charlie, a great man and devoted patriarch whose love and strength shaped your family (and ours), and I take comfort in knowing he is with God and reunited with Aunt Nina and his parents, John and Carmena and his departed sisters. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers with the family left behind and their children in this difficult time. Be strong for one another as your sire proved and my you find lasting comfort and peace in the wake of this loss cherishing the many fond memories of your champion.
Lovely man, my uncle Charlie, who sponsored his youngest sister’s, my mother’s, immigration to Canada in the early 1960s. Would not be here without him for which my family and I are supremely grateful. Love to the family, my cousins Joe, Bill, Dorothy, David, and Randy.
What an amazing life my dear Uncle Charlie lived throughout his 99 years. What a legacy. We honour that life and legacy, generosity and kindness. A warm and inviting presence, he always had this little twinkle in his eye. Uncle Charlie, Aunt Nina, my late father, Alfred, and my mother (Uncle Charlie’s youngest sister), Doris, often went out for dinner on Saturday nights and would compete over who got to pay the bill 🙂 May he rest in peace, reunited with Nina, his beloved wife of 75 years. All my love to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
My brother Carmenu was the one who disciplined me when I was small. When I was 16 years old, I decided to come to Canada. Carmenu and Nina welcomed me into their home. I stayed with them until I got married. Because my father was in Malta, Carmenu was the one who gave me away on my wedding day. We’ve had a strong relationship ever since. May he and Nina rest in peace.
“In family relationships, love is really spelled T-I-M-E.” — Dieter F. Uchtdorf
My wife Lise, our children Matthew and Jessica, and I were truly blessed to share so many meaningful moments with my mom and dad, especially in those early years when we took week-long vacations together. Whether traveling through the Caribbean, Mexico, Los Angeles, Miami, or across Canada, those journeys gave us something far more valuable than destinations—they gave us time.
Evenings were often spent gathered around a table, listening to their stories—vivid, heartfelt memories of growing up in Malta, filled with both hardship and humor. Through their voices, we came to understand not only where they came from, but who they were. Those moments connected us across generations.
Just as meaningful were the memories we created together—memories we would later revisit, over dinner and a glass of wine (sometimes two), during our visits with them in their retirement home. Those conversations became a bridge between past and present, a reminder of the life and love we shared.
In more recent years, I will forever cherish my quarterly journeys from Calgary to Peterborough—those precious four or five days spent with Dad. In those quiet, unhurried moments, he would gently bring me back to our roots, grounding me in family, history, and love.
Time—so simply given, yet so deeply felt—was his greatest gift to us.
We will miss him more than words can ever express.
I have fond childhood memories of Uncle Charlie as far back as I could remember especially around the holidays. Both our families would gather at his and Aunt Nina’s home where presents were exchanged and food and drink served. As we got older, the Maltese hospitality never wavered when we visited. The spread of food he would present was fit for dignitaries. He would basically empty his fridge and liquor cabinet.
One funny anecdote was when our parents went out for dinner, Uncle Charlie would excuse himself from the table (usually just after they ordered) feigning a visit to the bathroom, to secretly pay for the meal…much to my parents’ frustration.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joe. Bill, Dorothy, Randy. David and their families.
Your dad was a good man.
I have many fond memories of family get togethers and picnics with Uncle Charlie, Aunt Nina, and my cousins not only here but in Malta as well. It was always a good time. An incredible man who endured hardship and accomplished so much with so little. His legacy evident in his family – children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Rest in peace Uncle Charlie and love to Joe, Bill, Dorothy, David, and Randy.