Ermenegildo Marchesan
elevated y26W7 July 24, 1935 ~ November 28, 2025
elevated y26W7 Visitation
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8pm
Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4H 4Y8
elevated y26W7 Funeral Mass
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 9:30am
St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church
8500 Islington Avenue, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1X4
elevated y26W7 Entombment
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery – St. Anthony Mausoleum
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4H 4Y8
elevated y26W7 Obituary
Ermenegildo “Gildo” Marchesan, after 90 beautiful years, passed away peacefully at home on November 28th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 24, 1935, to Vittorio and Angela in Riese Pio X, Treviso, Italy, Gildo’s life was a testament to love, family, and perseverance. He was a devoted father to five children, a proud grandfather to fourteen grandchildren, and a cherished great-grandfather.
On the 16th of March, 1954, he seized an opportunity with CN railway and departed his hometown with eyes set on Canada, eager for the opportunity to build a better life. He arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax on April 1st of the same year.
After working briefly for the railroad, he moved to Toronto and found employment there in the construction industry. He continued to work for over 50+ years as a truck and crane operator.
In 1958, he met the love of his life, Giovanna Lunardon. They married in August 1961 and soon welcomed their children-Sergio, Rick, John, Steven, and Joanne. Together, they purchased their first home and built a life rooted in the community of Weston.
In 1986, they decided to leave the city behind and purchased a small farm near Kleinburg. The new home, which later became referred to simply as, ‘The Farm’ included apple orchards, the Humber River and forests. It became their legacy. He retired at the age of 70, only after his family persuaded him he had worked long enough. Having always maintained a massive vegetable garden, he continued to work around the farm, pouring his passion into hours spent outdoors. Together with his wife, he prided himself on producing his own organic food.
A devoted family man, he cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. His most treasured memories were the special occasions shared with loved ones, gathered together at the farm in joy and celebration.
Ermenegildo is predeceased by his wife, Giovanna Marchesan, and is survived by his children; Sergio (Marina), Rick (Mary), John (Rita), Steven (Tracy) and Joanne (Geoff), his 14 grandchildren; Daniel (Bianca), Linda, Michael, Matthew (Nikolina), David, Stefania (Fabio), Steven, Jessica, John Jr., Emily, Sienna, Ellie, Jack and Alessandro and his great grandchild, Sophie. One of nine siblings, he is survived by his sister Bruna.
If desired, donations can be made to the Southlake Health Foundation in memory of Ermenegildo.
Ciao caro zio riposa in pace🙏
With heartfelt condolences I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sharing in your sadness and praying for you during this difficult time. Sending my love and strength.
My deepest condolences to your family for the passing of Gildo. May your family heal during this difficult time. Rest in peace Gildo 🙏
Partecipiamo commossi alla dolorosa perdita di Gildo, sappiamo quanto importante era e quanto bene gli avete voluto. Ci dispiace davvero molto. Un forte abbraccio a tutti voi.
Antonella
My deepest condolences to the Marchesan family. Zio Gildo was a great uncle to have, always in good spirits with a smile on his face. He lived a long beautiful life and I’m glad I could share part of it with him.
Rita, John and family – we are so sorry for your loss! The Lee family
Peter and I shared many joyous occasions with Gildo. An invitation for coffee and dessert after midnight Mass ended up stretching to breakfast, all the while enjoying stories and laughter.
A true man of principle, Gildo possessed a strong work ethic both at his job and at home – something he passed on to his sons and daughter.
A man who loved his wife and family and life to the fullest, he will be deeply missed and his memory will be cherished forever.
Gildo was a man who loved and lived life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed and his memory will be cherished forever.
My deepest condolences to the Marchesan family. I have so many happy childhood memories of Zio Gildo. I will miss him dearly.
Sending our love, Christopher, Diana and Charlotte.