Dominic Donato
elevated 2KdpM April 5, 1936 ~ January 15, 2026
elevated 2KdpM Visitation
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated 2KdpM Celebration of Life
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Words of Remembrance to be spoken at 6:15 pm
Bayview Golf & Country Club
25 Fairway Heights Drive, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 3X1
elevated 2KdpM Cremation
Private
elevated 2KdpM Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dominic Donato in his 90th year.
elevated 2KdpM Dominic is survived by his loyal wife of 62 years, Marilyn, and his four children, Susanne (Vike), Diana (Irene), Peter (Robyn), and Lisa (Tim). Fondly referred to as Papa by his children—and by just about anyone else who met him—he will also be lovingly remembered as Nonno by his 6 grandchildren Anna, Evan, Dominic, Zoë, Phoebe, and Ivy.
elevated 2KdpM Dominic is survived by his brother, Andre, and was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Josephine, and his siblings, Antoinette, Benny, Pietro, Lidia, and Maria.
elevated 2KdpM Born in the village of Fardella, municipality of Potenza, in the Basilicata region of Italy in April 1936, Dominic became a master carpenter during his youth. At the age of 17, he travelled by boat to Halifax Harbour and made his way to Toronto, Canada. It was in Toronto that he built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. Dominic founded Metro Railing Limited, which he proudly owned and operated for 52 years.
elevated 2KdpM He was a longtime member of Bayview Golf and Country Club, where he and Marilyn formed long-standing friendships. He will be remembered for sharing his homemade wine on the golf course, long nights spent in the card room, and playing the role of Santa Claus for 25 years. Dominic was a devout soccer enthusiast and lifelong fan of Juventus. He was also a Toronto FC season ticket-holder and enjoyed attending many games with his family. But above all, he lived to see his beloved Azzurri lift the World Cup 4 times.
elevated 2KdpM Dominic took great pride and meticulous care in his home, garden, and wine making, but most of all in his family and friends.
elevated 2KdpM Our last treasured memory was spending Christmas at home, surrounded by family, where he imparted one final gift and spoke with quiet wisdom about the value of patience in a marriage, the strength found in standing together, and a reminder that a family is not bought, but lovingly built over time.
elevated 2KdpM In the last months of his life, Dominic was showered with love and support from his family and close friends. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered for his bright blue eyes, big warm smile, sharp memory, his storytelling, generosity, and genuine love of life.
elevated 2KdpM In lieu of flowers, please thank and show gratitude to those who work tirelessly in healthcare. Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Markham Stouffville, Humber River, and North York General Hospitals, as well as Hawthorne Rehabilitation and Chartwell Gibson Retirement Home for their extraordinary care, support, and dedication. Pour a glass of red wine in memory of Dominic, salute.
Hi Aunt Marilyn, Suzanne,
Peter,Diana. and Lisa
So sorry to hear of Uncle Dominic’s passing. He was a good man.
I wish you all strength in the next coming days
Take care
Dorothy, Jason, Claudia and Adrian
Lots of condolences for all family .From Maricela + Michael Legris.
Our condolences to Aunt Marilyn, Suzanne,
Peter, Diana and Lisa and all the Donato’s. What a wonderful man Uncle Dominic was, lived an enviable life and had the most amazing smile. He will be missed.
The Mahoneys from Miane
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. What a gentle soul is will always remain. Much love from the Scott Family xo
My sincere condolences to the family. One of my fondest memories as a child was Dominic being Santa Clause at the Bayview’s Children Christmas Party. He was a very nice and kind man.
Riposa in Pace, signor Donato 💐❤️
My sincerest Condolences to the entire family .
Marilyn, Susanne, Diana, Peter & Lisa, I’m sending My deepest sympathy to you and the family, Dominic was such an amazing man. May his memory be eternal
Sincere condolences to Marilyn and family.
May your memories help you find peace.
Domenic was loved by everyone. He had that very rare personality
that endeared him to all who met him. He will be missed.
Riposa in pace , signor Donato 💐❤️
My sincerest condolences to the entire family.
My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers for the family at this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.
Dear Marilyn, Suzanne, Peter, Diana and Lisa,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Dominic . He was a dear friend to Bill and I, and we shared many meals, glasses of wine and wonderful evenings over the years. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Rosemary Foley
È difficile esprimere in una lingua non propria le tante sfumature della emozione lasciata dalla notizia della dipartita di uno zio come lo Zio Domenico, pertanto uso la mia, l’italiano. Ricordo da sempre, da quando ero piccolo, Domenico per la sua giovialità, per la sua vitalità, per la sua semplicità nel voler assaporare la vita. Dispiace saper di non poter più sentire le sue parole in quella che era una lingua tutta sua, un po’ italiano e un po’ inglese, soprattutto fardellese, ma nel cuore resterà sempre vivo il ricordo del suo viso tondo e dagli occhi vispi, capace di sguardi curiosi e sempre attenti a cogliere ogni messaggio dal proprio interlocutore. Un abbraccio grande caro zio Domenico.
Diana my sincerest sympathies for your loss. It’s so hard to say goodbye. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending you lots of love. Pina
Sincere condolences to Marilyn and family. Lots of wonderful memories of Dominic on and off the golf course.
Warren, Deborah and Stephanie
I spoke to Dominic at my sister Fran Peake’s visitation November 2024 and was glad to renew a St. Anthony’s YPC acquaintance after many years. What dancers he and Marilyn (from my hometown Peterborough I believe) were.
My sympathy and prayers to you Marilyn, and all your family during this sad time.
Condolences to Diana & family.
Dear Marilyn Just reading this sad news, I;m so sorry for all the family as you mourn the loss of this wonderful husband and father. Love Dorothy.