elevated YxNVy July 8, 1934 ~ June 27, 2019
elevated YxNVy Visitation
Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 p.m.
elevated YxNVy Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated YxNVy Funeral Mass
Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 9:15 a.m.
elevated YxNVy Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated YxNVy Entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated YxNVy Obituary
elevated YxNVy A LIFE WELL LIVED
elevated YxNVy Mr. Donato Di Giovanni – July 8th, 1934 to June 27th, 2019
elevated YxNVy While growing up in the small town of Roccamorice in central Italy, post War and depression marked his childhood. But Old-World difficulties build opportunities and created a migration to a New World. So, in 1955 at the age of 20 with his wife Angelina and baby girl Lucy, they endured the long trip over. Donato was grateful for the possibilities Canada had to offer and the challenges of becoming Canadian. The newly arrived family settled in a tiny house on Markham Street, in Toronto’s Italian community with a much appreciated family cushion, call it the ‘buddi system’. Before too long, as a matter of fact two days after his arrival, Donato was off to work and saved prudently to sponsor his siblings and parents.
elevated YxNVy Donato Di Giovanni loved to work. He would boast how he never missed a day’s work. Despite learning a new language, he successfully used his passion to invent, build, fail and improve as a labour foreman in the construction industry. He applied his skills on many of Toronto’s landmark buildings as well as his prized bungalow on Glengrove Ave. where he raised a family; Lucy, Angelo and Lina. There are many stories of his contraptions that he and his brothers crafted. His home in Richmond Hill included various customized structures and canal systems that would puzzle any engineer. The rewards of Donato’s hard work were spent on travel. Travelling opened his passion to learn something new and to respect something old. Sharing in those rewards, Donato and his wife arranged a pilgrimage back to the “old county” to instill the importance of old and new to his five grandchildren. Marco, Christopher, Paul, Lucas and Julian. In his retirement years, Donato was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He relied heavily on the past, understanding his future would be difficult. He received the love and care expected from a well-built family, but it was multiplied by his daughter in law Anne and his son in law John, who would willingly help feed and change him. Excepting his fate, he still ended conversations with how grateful and fortunate he was to have such a great life. “Thank you” he would say to us over and over again. That meant so much to us. Oh, and then there is his dearest wife, Angelina. They literally lived by their wedding vows. Till death due us part is an understatement. As Donato began losing his fight with Alzheimer’s, Angelina become his only link to his past. She would visit him every single day at Sherwood Court Long term care, even during her own health setbacks. It was the longest and saddest goodbye, yet momma hung in till the end. My father loved her to his death. And now Donato’s family tree continues to grow with new inductees, Miranda, Nicole and Gisele. Although they never really got to meet him, they should know he was a grateful man who led a safe, comfortable life filled with love for family and friends. He will continue to lead his family through stories of gratitude and humility. Donato Di Giovanni passed away peacefully and respectfully surrounded by his family.
elevated YxNVy Thank you, The Di Giovanni Family.
elevated YxNVy If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or to the Hospital For Sick Children.
Sincerest condolences to your family. Your father had a special place in my heart. He and my father, his older cousin Donato Di Giovanni also, were more like brothers than cousins. When I was growing up there was never a week that would pass without them being together. Dad died 16 years ago today. I’m sure they are catching up with family stories. My thoughts and prayers are with your family ❤
Special indeed. To this day every time I drive on Allan Rd. I have the nicest memories. Hope to see you soon. Angelo
Zia Angelina, Lucy, Angelo and Lina:
I was very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. While it has been a number of years since I have seen my godfather, I remember him from years gone by. He was always friendly and welcoming, with an easy going nature. He will be missed. I regret that we are unable to make it to the funeral, as we are out of the country. Please accept our condolences.
sincerely,
Tony D’Onofrio and Family
Donato spoke highly of his travelling companion. I am sure they good time and good conversations together. Thank you for remembering my father. Angelo
Will always remember him as the uncle who always had a smile on his face. He loved his family and life. He laughed..He loved..He lived!!
Much love and condolences to the family
Tony, Lorraine, Michael and Christina
Nice way to remember my father. Its obvious both you and Lorraine follow those principals. Thank you my friends. Angelo
Anna,
So sorry to hear about your Uncle Donato. From reading the other messages he sounds like a wonderful man. Good memories wished for you.
These days are difficult enough without this added pressure of losing loved one. Our prayers are with you.
Anne & Anthony
Old Mc Donald had a farm eieio and on his farm was the best radicchio in the world eieio…..and pomadaoro….jesu christ 🍅 #1 Nonno 🙏