Gaetano Valentini
elevated 2ef0n May 16, 1927 – January 23, 2020
elevated 2ef0n Visitation
Sunday January 26, 2020 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm
elevated 2ef0n Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 2ef0n Funeral Mass
Monday January 27, 2020 at 12pm
elevated 2ef0n Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated 2ef0n Entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated 2ef0n Reception
Following the Entombment
elevated 2ef0n Obituary
elevated 2ef0n Gaetano Valentini
elevated 2ef0n May 16. 1927 – January 23, 2020
elevated 2ef0n (Born in Laurignano, Cosenza, Italy)
elevated 2ef0n It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gaetano Valentini, age 92 at Southlake Regional Health Care Centre in Newmarket, Ontario.Husband of Lina, loving father of five children: Emily (Gino), Norma (Frank), Paul (Andria), David and Bice (Mario). Loved Paparanne by his ten grandsons, Joseph Pugliese, Joseph and Gabriel Monaco, Gaetano Valentini, Jordano, Juliano, and Matteo Valentini, Daniel, Nicholas, and Santino Teti.Beloved brother to Ottavio and Isa. Predeceased by his sister Mentina and brothers, Mario, Rodolfo, and Santino.He will be dearly missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.Many thanks to all the nurses and doctors at Southlake Cardiology and Palliative for the excellent care they provided.
elevated 2ef0n In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation.
We will never forget you!
41 years ago I met you and you spoke to me and renewed my faith in God. Your kind heart and the way you reached out to so many people.
You stood In front of your chapel and the sun shone down on your face.
Now you will see the face of God!
Your acts of kindness within and outside your community were not all known to others and isn’t that wonderful.
We love your family and have bonded with so many of them. God had a plan.
Rest in Peace and your legacy will go on through your family, especially your grandchildren.
Our Love and Continued Prayers.
Susan & Scott
My Dearest brother/father/confidant best friend….” My Guy”!
The gates of heaven are now open.
A celebration to be had, with your loving family members, and many friends! You will be forever missed but, never forgotten! My love for you had a beginning but, it has no ending! The last few years of your life have been the hardest but now, you can rejoice taking all your loving memoirs with you in heaven! You lived your life humbly, honestly, unselfishly, kindly and lovingly! You led by example, at times misunderstood! You never put a monetary value on any earthly “ things” everything had a sentimental value! Every word and sentiment written, came directly from the heart! The smallest simplest things and gestures, gave you pleasure, asking for nothing in return! I only wish we could have spent more time together in the latter years! As you transition into your heavenly life, I hope you know that you gave your family all they ever needed, a comfortable life filled with music, humour, fun, caring and, much much love! Time to rejoice, write whatever comes to mind, play your music loud and, live as you like, in your new and peaceful life in Heaven. You were, and always will be, my personal guardian Angel!
I am, and will continue to celebrate your life. I will be reminiscing, together with your beloved “brother” in law
24 hr Max, about all the good times and most of all, the love and laughter we shared! The planning of all your projects that are no more!
As you said the last time we hugged,
“Ne vidimu a latru munnu”!
” Till we meet again”
G-ood
A-ngel
E-ccentric
T-ender
A-ware
N-oble
O-ne of a kind!
“Oh Comeon” 🐔
“ Oh what a Guy” !
RIP!
With Deepest Sympathy to all the Family in the loss of Gaetano.He is at rest in Gods arms .He is your Angel watching over you from Heaven.Find comfort in knowing others cared. Love Rosetta and Tony Mirotti
Hi Rosetta and Tony,
Thank you for all the support and love shown to our
family throughout the many years of our Festas and
for your friendship and love.
Lina Valentini and family
To my oldest and eldest Zio Guy! There are No words big enough to describe your love, respect and generosity for others. You have demonstrated all the qualities of a Man, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. Thank you for all the lovely chats, memories, but most of all, your love for us. The gates of heaven opened up to a one of kind man! May you reunite with your beloved parents, brothers and sisters, love you always and forever Marco Valentini
Hi Mark and family,
Thank you for the love and support throughout the
many years of sharing memories.
We know how much our father loved his family, neices and nephews.
May we keep his memory alive and celebrate his life. Dearly missed, never forgotten.
Zia Lina and family
A young 13-year old boy had recently found the joy of playing a guitar. There was a small problem though. The guitar may have been better used as firewood than playing music. Unfortunately, his family did not have the financial means to spend their discretionary income on musical instruments. But, he practiced every day without the nag of an adult. One evening after dinner, there was a knock at the front door and as the door opened, the boy could see that his father had a warm welcoming disposition for the man that walked in. They embraced and began focusing their attention on a black case that the man brought in. As they laid the case on the floor, the boy’s father called him and asked him to open it. The boy excitedly opened it and saw a new beautiful black semi-electric Ovation guitar. That boy was me and that man was Uncle Guy. I wanted to share this memory to honor this man’s gesture of kindness and understanding. They were gestures that he offered to everyone throughout his life. He was a sentimental man, but not a simple man. He was a good man. I loved him and will miss his eclectic conversations. Uncle Guy gave that little boy, 41 years ago, the road map to a lifetime of fulfillment and an opportunity to pass the gift of music to the next generation, my children. His legacy continues…love you Zi. Miss you. Please say hello to my father…
Danny Valentini.
A young 13-year old boy had recently found the joy of playing a guitar. There was a small problem though. The guitar may have been better used as firewood than playing music. Unfortunately, his family did not have the financial means to spend their discretionary income on musical instruments. But, he practiced every day without the nag of an adult. One evening after dinner, there was a knock at the front door and as the door opened, the boy could see that his father had a warm welcoming disposition for the man that walked in. They embraced and began focusing their attention on a black case that the man brought in. As they laid the case on the floor, the boy’s father called him and asked him to open it. The boy excitedly opened it and saw a new beautiful black semi-electric Ovation guitar. That boy was me and that man was Uncle Guy. I wanted to share this memory to honor this man’s gesture of kindness and understanding. They were gestures that he offered to everyone throughout his life. He was a sentimental man, but not a simple man. He was a good man. I loved him and will miss his eclectic conversations. Uncle Guy gave that little boy, 48 years ago, the roadmap to a lifetime of fulfillment and an opportunity to pass the gift of music to the next generation, my children. His legacy continues…love you Zi. Miss you. Please say hello to my father…
Danny
Danny, reading the above eulogy, I feel to have known him well since and for a long time. You have descried him well, catching his spirit and inner self, with love and humanity: particularly to you, his son, musician and poet, who I have met in happier occasions and who I hug him in this sad day.
It is with great sadness that we heard about Gaetano’s passing. He will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him as a great best friend to Joe and cousin to me. I hope they will meet again in heaven. Our sincere condolences to Lina and all the family.
Hello to everyone,
Thank you for your heartfelt condolences for our father Gaetano Valentini.
He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Lina Valentini and family
Some of you may know him as Guy Valentini, but to countless others who knew him, he went by only one name- like Bono, Cher, or Drake. He was Paparanne and in many ways he was his own Rockstar. At least in the eyes of his 10 grandsons.
The honest truth is I never had many hearts to hearts with Paparanne. I never needed to either. He taught me so many things without saying a word and that is a sign of a great man. Some things include:
To Be Persistent. Paparrane never took no for an answer. Ever. In doing so, he never put limitations on what he could achieve. There is a quote from poet T.S. Eliot that goes: “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go”. Whether he knew it or not, that was Paparrane. He pushed the envelope (along with his endless stacks of stamps) in everything he did.
To Not Compromise who you are. Ever since we were very young, my cousins and I all used to get haircuts from Paparrane. As I was getting older, I grew tired of the standard crew cut he used to give us so I worked up enough courage one day to ask him for a faux hawk. I was 15, the square sideburns and perfectly straight bangs weren’t going to cut it with the ladies. So, I tell him, “Paparrane, can I get a faux hawk, two on the sides, leave a little more up top and gel it to the side”. He nods his head in agreement as I could barely hide my excitement knowing I was going to have a new haircut after so many years of pain and suffering. What 15-year-old me didn’t know was, just because Paparrane nodded his head, doesn’t mean he was listening. Apparently, he liked to listen to people and then do what he was going to do anyways. After twenty minutes, there I was in his barber chair in the barn. Staring back at me was the reflection of the same damn crewcut he had always given me. I told him it looked great and walked back home. That was the last time he cut my hair. I knew he had one way of doing things and that was his way. You got to respect a man who sticks to his values and ideals regardless or how ridiculous they may seem. That was Paparrane.
To Approach Mistakes as Lessons. Paparrane knew that life was not a linear progression. Failure to him was simply a detour on the way to his final destination. He taught those around him that setbacks should never deter their sense of humor and enthusiasm. Paparrane never cried over spilt milk; he was too busy looking for the next cow. Or in his case, a rooster.
To Be Intellectually Curious. He taught me that you are never too old to learn new things. I remember him constantly coming into the computer room at my parent’s house asking how to spell certain words. When was the last time you saw an 80-year-old Italian immigrant ask you how to spell the word perspective? It wasn’t enough for me to just write it for him too. I had to say it orally while he wrote it down in his own pad of paper. Which would have been fine except he could never find his pad or pen. Sometimes he would forget it at home and I’d have to wait for him to return. Oh, and if anyone knows Paparrane, he would never give you a definitive timeline on when he was coming back. You were always on-call with him. Crazy thing is, we always waited.
To Love Life. Not all of us can be a character like Paparrane but we can learn a thing or two about enjoying life. He was always the first one to laugh at his own jokes, even if they weren’t funny. He would always repeat the punchline while laughing, something that was handed down to my Mom, Brother and I. He could make a math riddle about 3 chickens and 2 dogs seem like a Penn & Teller show. He had infectious energy because he simply loved life and he loved people. I never saw him in a bad mood and if he was it was always short-lived.
To live with Enthusiasm and Gratitude. He got great joy out of the most basic things. We could be at Mcdonald’s eating a Big Mac and he made it seem like it was the best burger he’s ever had. No food tasted bad to him and I think that’s because he was grateful to even have food. He was never too big to enjoy the little things. There’s an important lesson in that.
To Never Lock the Door. I wish this was just a metaphor but Paparrane literally never locked the door. Car door, house door it didn’t matter, it was unlocked. Some may call it ignorance; I call it choosing to trust the goodness in people. We all view the world through our own biases and lenses and he chose to see the light in people instead of the darkness. For better or for worse, he always trusted that people’s intentions were pure because that’s how he was. If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm. He wasn’t afraid of people; he welcomed them into his world.
To Have Hobbies. I’m not saying you need to be a platinum member at Staples to enjoy your hobbies, but you should pursue what you are passionate about. Paparrane was retired for over 40 years and filled every last moment with things that made him happy. Don’t get me wrong, some of his projects and ideas were borderline crazy. I can’t even count how many family members risked their lives on scaffolds and ladders just to straighten out a sign for him. He was like the Italian Steve Jobs but instead of a turtleneck, it was a plaid shirt and suspenders. His projects, however, were what kept him young and gave him purpose. Try and do the things that make you happy regardless if others understand it.
To Be Optimistic and Create your own luck. Paparrane approached the world with a smile on his face and, in most cases, the world smiled back. How else could you explain a lucrative real estate deal on the back of a napkin? He took chances where others would have been hesitant. Have the confidence to do the same.
To Always be a Kid. I remember when my cousins and I were young, under the supervision of Paparrane, we used to create forts with his sheet metal collection in the backyard. If he stopped us doing anything bad it was only because he wanted a picture. After that, he let us be kids. A little-known fact about Paparrane was that he was one of the best babysitters a kid could ask for. We just knew it was only a matter of time he fell asleep watching the news. One time he fell asleep mouth open snoring on the couch. Me and the cousins started tossing popcorn trying to get it in his mouth. What was he going to do? Even at a young age, we knew he could never discipline anyone. We knew he was one of us just disguised in a grown-up body. We convinced him to do the ALS ice bucket challenge for us when he was pushing almost 85 years old. It was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Paparrane had this silo-looking monument he called Big David. The cousins and I thought it would be funny to roll two giant snowballs and place them at the base of it. We called him over and showed him our creation. He demanded us…to take a picture in front of it. That’s just the way he was, he was a little kid. I think deep down Paparrane knew in order to live long you have to remain young, to never grow up. Don’t ever let life’s pressures and responsibilities harden you to a point where you can’t have fun.
The Festa, extreme bocce, mud ball fights, crown game, dodgeball, tomatoes wars, the wolf pack fort, bonfires. These memories will last a lifetime. All of those memories would never have been possible without him. 5 children, 10 grandsons, 1 wife of over 60 years, 1 Guinness world record, 1 street named after him, 1 building in Toronto, 1 plot of land in Holland Landing, all in one lifetime. Those are first ballot HOF numbers. He dreamed big and somehow found a way to execute. What he accomplished as an immigrant is truly unfathomable. He bet on himself over and over and won. He lived life to the fullest and thoroughly enjoyed himself. He made decisions based on what he thought was the right thing to do and never took advantage of anyone while climbing the mountain of life. I’m going to miss him but I know he’s in his Evergy truck, broken taillight, Bellina in the passenger seat, driving off to his next adventure. Paparrane, I will see you when my time calls. Don’t worry, I know where to find you: At the center of attention making people laugh. He was a trailblazer. He was the one and only, Paparrane. Oh, what a guy, come on.
The greatest eldest uncle 🎵uy
We thank you for being the best uncle. Thank you for the memories, the laughs and the love we always felt from you. May you Rest In Peace with those you loved and hoping Bella is making you proud with her tricks in Heaven. You will always remain in our hearts and thoughts. Can’t go to Harvey’s without thinking of you. To the entire family, the stars just got a lot brighter 🌟We love you Uncle 🎵uy One of a kind🙏
Hi Mara and family,
Thank you for being part of our father’s life and for
saying a reading at his funeral. I’m sure he was looking down from heaven knowing that you made
him proud.
Thank you for sharing his love for pictures, newspaper clippings and the love you all had for Him. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Love Zia Lina and family
To Lina Valentini and family. On behalf of the children of Alfredo & Emilia Natale (deceased), please accept our deepest condolences.
From Gelsomina Ammirante, Franca Campiti, Claudio Natale, Joseph Natale.
Claudio, Janet and family,
Thank you so much for your condolences.
Our father was a man who loved life and everyone who was a part of it.
He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Take care
Lina Valentini and family
Hello everyone, my name is Joe Pugliese and Gaetano Valentini was my Paparanne. He went by a lot of names: Guy, Gatano, Gata, Tano, U SIGNORINO, PADRONE, CAPO, and in his later years Moses. He’ll always be Paparanne in my eyes, but whatever you choose to call the man one thing is for certain: he lived a happy, long, simple and fruitful life. He was eccentric, passionate and to be honest a little crazy. Above all else, he was a family man. Having 5 kids and 10 grandsons will do that to a fellow. He had a zest for life like no one I’ve ever known, and lived it to the fullest when he could. Paparanne was my neighbour for 25 years and my barber until his vision got worse. As a boy, i never had to tell him how i wanted my haircut because he didn’t listen or care. I got the same combover cut every time. I was the only 4th grader that looked like a member of the Rat Pack. He was always sure to keep the BAZETTE long enough so he had something to pull on when i got out of line, which happened quite often. (Don’t worry i deserved it). A barber by trade and a musician by heart, he loved playing the mandolino, providing background music at all the family get-togethers and Festas he hosted, which i know a lot of you attended over the years. They were a lot of fun weren’t they? A beautiful late august Sunday, a few panini, a couple litres of red wine, bocce games and lots of laughs and warm memories. I remember my 3rd generation Canadian buddy across the street asking me if my family was in a cult after seeing the procession of 100 chanting Italians parading that statue of A MADONNA around Valentini avenue, Paparannes namesake street and lasting part of his legacy. Wherever the man went his camera was sure to follow. We used to joke and call him Paparazzi. Im pretty sure he was single handedly keeping Kodak in business after everyone else switched over to digital cameras. His timing for pictures was impeccable. My nine cousins and I woud be in the middle of a heated 5 on 5 soccer match and Would see Paparanne running on to the pitch (which was his backyard) and yelling “EH NA FA NA FOTOGRAFIA?” We would all proceed to yell and berate him, and would drop everything and assume the classing cugino formation. Paparanne would snap a photo, pause for 3 seconds and say “ah thats nice” without actually being able to see the picture on his Kodak funsaver. My cousins and I would split up and get back to what we were doing. And thats when we’d hear “OK one more with Bellina” (the dog). AWWWWWWW. Boy were we pissed off. How little we knew that those pictures would give rise to so many future laughs and memories. Paparanne was a passionate arsonist. He always kept the Holland Landing fire department on its toes with the megafires he used to make. Think Australia right now only bigger. 10 to 15 foot blazes were not uncommon in the BOSCO in his backyard. He called the fire “natures recycling”. Hearing him preach and complain about the state of the world and climate change as he threw a block of styrofoam and a car tire into the flames always cracked me up. Whether it was intentional or not, Paparanne always had a great sense of humour. His classic dance moves, fresh take on world politics, and impeccable 3.5 hour stories made him a constant source of laughs and entertainment tor many years. Being part of the community was always important to Paparanne, and he always made it a point to keep in touch with his friendsin Italy, city hall, and around town. He had so many hobbies that kept his mind occupied when his world slowed down. His beloved dog Belle, prolific writing, musical instruments and folk art projects kept him busy until he was no longer able to do these things he loved so much. His determination and will to live were tested as he overcame cancer and proved his fortitude and stubbornness to accept defeat to us all. I personally think being NU CAPPOTOSTO, having a big family and Nana’s amazing cooking (FACE FINGER TWIST) are what brought him to 92 years. People like my grandfather are one in a million. In this world of status and excess, my grandfather was truly a breath of fresh air. Always a man of unique perspective, his generosity, humility and resolve are all qualities I admired him for and qualities I aspire myself to. Some of you might recall seeing the license plate on my Paparanne’s old blue Nissan pickup that read “EVERGY” meaning everlasting energy. Although in his later years it became ironic, that was always a favorite motto of his, and after seeing everyone over the past two days I know his energy is everlasting. It lives on through his wife, 5 children, 10 grandsons and all of you who have been fortunate enough to have known such an amazing, special man:
My Grandfather Gaetano Valentini.
Thank you all
To the Valentini family
Please accept our deepest condolences on your great loss.
On behalf of Bice (Natale ) Perri and Cosimo Perri (deceased) and their family ,we send our heartfelt condolences to Lina and the extended family.
May he rest in eternal peace surrounded by music
Thank you very much for your condolences.
Lina Valentini and family.
To Valentini Family, Our sincere condolences to you. We have fond memories of growing up in Toronto alongside you and remember Gaetano’s impromptu music sessions with Rudy. Always a smile and encouragement to always enjoy good things in life. He leaves behind a legacy to exemplify and to cherish.
Our heartfelt sympathy.
Mario, Onorina, Franco, George, Diana
Dearest Muto family,
Thank you very much for your condolences.
I know that we all shared many memories with our Uncle Rudy and my dad Gaetano.
Thank you for being a part of their lives.
It is with great sadness that I hear of my cousins’ passing. My sincere condolences to Lina, Emily, Norma, Paul, David, and Bice. Gaetano was a visionary, entrepreneur, leader, and a strong family man. He left his mark and will always be remembered. Our prayers are with your families as he rests in the arms of the angels. Love ❤️ Robert and Kathy Valentini and family, Brent, Marc, and Rebecca Valentini.
Dear Robert and family,
Thank you very much for your condolences.
Our father has touched so many lives and we will continue to celebrate his life.
He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Lina Valentini and family
I would like to express our deepest and sincere condolences to the entire family and loved ones of our cousin Gaetano Valentini.
May the fond memories and wonderful moments you’ve shared provide you comfort and peace during this difficult time & through the days ahead.
From
Franca, Silvana, Roberto, Claudio(deceased) Valentini & families
Our deepest sympathy to the Valentini family on the loss of Gaetano. May our thoughts & prayers help comfort you and your families during this difficult time.
Julia Wilton Okribata & Moses Okribata
(granddaughter of the late Cosimo and Giuseppina Valentini)
Gaetano,
I first met you briefly
at my brother Donald’s funeral in 2001 in Pennsylvania and again a few year’s later at your home in Toronto with my brother Frank and sister Angelina (both now deceased). It was a impactful event for me being with my mother Concetta Valentini Ciardullo’s side of the family. You and your family were very gracious and that has stayed with me over the years. It is very clear why you have had such a positive impact on so many..I hope we all meet again as you said at Donald’s reception, “on the other side” and that you will play the mandolin for us as we all celebrate a new life together. My deepest belated sympathy to Lina and family as we all await that reunion.