Giuseppe (Joe) Domenico Donia
elevated V5dxY September 22, 1935 ~ January 19, 2022
elevated V5dxY Obituary
elevated V5dxY Giuseppe (Joe) Donia, passed away, peacefully with his family by his side, on January 19, 2022, at the age of 86. Born in Castelpizzuto, Isernia, Italy on September 22, 1935, immigrated to Canada in March 1960, and married Mafalda (Caranci), in Toronto, on May 14, 1960.
elevated V5dxY Joe is remembered by his family, friends and many ‘paesani’ of the Castelpizzuto Social community as being one of a kind. A man who always lived in the moment, with a zest for life, ready for fun and laughter.
elevated V5dxY Most greetings from Joe consisted of a bright and friendly smile, sometimes to include his happy skip jump dance move, which concluded with a strong bear hug lift in the air. He loved to be surrounded by people, this brought him immense joy. Joe, along with his friends, always took centre stage where the room would quickly fill with singing, music, dancing, silly gestures and the occasional playing of a musical instrument, whether it be the organetto or trombone.
elevated V5dxY Joe dreamed big! He enjoyed doing many things and when the creative process was involved, he collaborated well with others, but more so enjoyed being the boss. He took pleasure in participating in many social club events, serving 40 years in the Toronto Italian Band, and was devoted to his annual hunting trips.
elevated V5dxY It is because of Joe’s heartfelt pride for family, heritage and community, his accomplishments were made possible. His greatest accomplishment by far, his family, allowed him to fulfill his role as husband, father and grandfather. How he loved to ‘show off’ his grandchildren, their talents and individual successes. He cherished the time spent together and loved them unconditionally. Nonno Joe will live in our hearts as the lively, fun, proud Nonno.
elevated V5dxY Joe’s later years were lived at Elginwood Long Term Care facility where he was known as ‘Papa Joe’. He was loved by all staff and caregivers for his silly, fun nature. Although the illness of dementia presented its challenges over the years, the staff treated him with much care, kindness and respect. In his early days, he often thought of himself as the property manager, conducting window repairs without tools, and even tried to collect rent from other residents. Joe continued to be the center of attention and never hesitated to entertain others. He would always motion a hand wave, with a big, bright smile and an occasional burst of laughter. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the entire staff at Elginwood. We are forever grateful for all you have done for our ‘Papa Joe’.
elevated V5dxY Giuseppe (Joe) is survived by his beloved wife, Mafalda; his children, Dom (Teresa), Nancy (Antony), Pina (Mario); his grandchildren, Joseph, Daniela, Kavina, Jaclyn and Matthew; his sister, Maria Donia-Vacca. Giuseppe (Joe) is predeceased by his parents, Domenico and Annunziata and his brother Rosario Donia.
elevated V5dxY Donations
elevated V5dxY In Lieu of flowers, the family prefer donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation or Alzheimer Society of Ontario
elevated V5dxY Visitation
elevated V5dxY Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated V5dxY Monday, January 24, 2022 – 4:00pm – 8:00 pm
elevated V5dxY Due to Covid-19 capacity restrictions, we are inviting family and friends for visitation, to pay their respects, offer condolences and then kindly exit the building to allow for others to enter. No appointment necessary. However, family and friends may have to wait to pay their respects during the visitation period.
elevated V5dxY Funeral Mass – Private Family Only
elevated V5dxY Chapel of St. Joseph (at the Holy Cross location) – Tuesday, January 25, 2022 – 10:30am
elevated V5dxY Streaming
elevated V5dxY Click Here to Stream the Mass
Our deepest condolences for your loss.
Our prayers are with you. Steve, Elizabeth and Alexandra.
Deepest condolences to the family, Giuseppe was an amazing and fun person .May he rest in peace.
We are sorry to hear of your loos.Condolences to the all family.Joe was a wonderfull and kind person.We have so many wonderful memories of him and will never forget his big smaile and always ready for same fun.Joe soul has faund rest but he will be missed from every one.
We are sorry to hear of your loss.Condolences to the all family.Joe was a wonderfull and kind person, we have so many wonderful memories of him and will never forget his big smile and always ready for same fun.His soul has found rest but he will be missed from every one.
We are sorry to hear of your loss.Condolences to the sll family.Joe was a wonderful and kind person,we have so many beautifull memories of him, will never forget his big smile and always ready for some fun.His soul has found rest but he will be missed from every one.
Dearest Nancy and family, we were saddened to hear of your loss. Although this is an extremely difficult time for you all, have comfort knowing that your dear Father is now in good hands. Thinking of you, love Cindy and Tony Gerolini
Our dearest condolences to the family, God bless his soul, may he rest In peace.
Dabir’s Family
Our deepest condolences to the Donia family.
Anche se è passato tanto tempo, ricordo con gioia zio Giuseppe. Le più sentite condoglianze a tutta la famiglia da Attilio, Felicetta ed Angelo.
Our deepest condolences ! I have so many fond memories of Joe.
My condolences to all. I remember him being a man who laughed a lot. May he rest in peace
Dear Donia Family We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all of you on the passing of dear Joe. What a lovely man. He will always be remembered in our hearts as fun and loving. May God be with you at this sad time in your lives. May Joe rest in peace. So sorry for your loss, John & Iria Giancola
Dear Donia Family, Our deepest condolences on the passing on Zio Joe. He was a loving and caring man. He lived life to the fullest. He will be missed. Zio Joe and the entire Donia family are in our prayers. Regards, David, Gordana and Damian Giancola
Our deepest and sincere condolences to the Donia family. Joe was a true gentleman and full of life. His smile and laughter will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Ugo & Pasqualina Delle Donne
Libero, Franca, Lucas & Sofia Vacca
He shinned truly like a light from heaven! We remember him always happy and friendly to all big or small. He was a great person through and through and we pray he is resting in peace with his beloved family. Our sincerest condolences to the entire Donia family.
Our deepest condolences to the Donia Family on the loss of a great man Joe Donia.
Our sincerest sympathies to the Donia Family for your loss.
Joe Donia was truly a light from heaven! He filled everyone he met, young or old with joy and happiness. We will all fondly remember him.
Our condolences to the donia family for your loss
Joe was defenitely a high spirited person always happy and making people happy and liked singing with everybody,a man that will be missed RI P
Our deepest condolences to the Donia family. We will keep Zio Joe in our thoughts and prayers.
Marianna & Paul Guglietti
Dear Pina, Mario and family,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved father. Your written tribute is beautiful. Sending you our condolences and may you find peace in the memories you created together.
Laura & Angelo Battocchio and family
Our sincere condolences to the Donia family.
We will always remember Joe’s great sense of humour and big smile. God bless him. May he Rest In Peace.
With much love,
Costantino Carlucci and family.
Joe was all heart and smile. What a legacy he leaves this world. We will miss him dearly.
Condolences to all the family during this time.
May his memory be a blessing.
Much love,
John and Denisa
Lo zio Joe se n’è andato da questa terra, ma rimane sempre vivo nei miei ricordi così come l’ho visto l’ultima volta circa 20 anni fa, sempre con il suo sorriso e la sua vitalità.sono lontana fisicamente ma vicina molto vicina a zia Mafalda, e ai cugini Domenico, Pina e Nancy e alle loro care famiglie.
Partecipiamo alla vostra perdita insieme alla mia famiglia e a quella di mia sorella Eva e Mio fratello Luciano e a mia madre che piange la perdita del suo amato fratello.
Un abbraccio a voi tutti ❤️
Our condolences to the Donia Family. May our prayers be of some comfort at this very sad time.
He will be remembered with his smile and laughter.
Condolences to the Donia family: Words alone cannot take the sorrow away; but that’s when memories work their best.
I remember our families hanging out a lot when we were young. They were really fun times.
Rest in peace Compare Joe.
Only smiles and happy memories come to mind when we remember Joe. May he lead the party band up in heaven and send sunshine down to you all…Our thoughts are with you all…deepest condolences.
Our deepest condolences to Mafalda, Dom, Nancy and Pina and their respective families.
We will always remember his vivacious personality.
Tony & Tonina DIcristofaro.
Dear Donia Family our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We have great memories of Zio joe he was the life of the party and a smile that melted your ❤️.
Take comfort in knowing he is resting in peace 😇
Our heart and thoughts are with you during this time of grieving to Mafalda and family . Joe was a wonderful man full of strength and goodness.He will be sorely missed.🙏🏼
My deepest condolences to the Donia family for the passing of my dear friend, Joe. Joe and I share many fond memories in Italy and in Canada with our families. Joe was always a joker which made everyone laugh. His presence filled the room with happiness and fun. There are so many memories which I will hold close to my heart. May God give the Donia family strength and peace for their loss. May you rest in peace, dear friend.
Our deepest condolences to the Donia family. May you take comfort in knowing that Zio Joe made a lasting impact on many people. We will remember him as a welcoming, happy person who made others laugh. May he rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Our deepest condolences to the Donia Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May the years of beautiful memories keep you strong and comforted during this difficult time. May he rest in peace. Heaven has gained a new angel.
Our deepest condolences to the Donia Family. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead. May he rest in peace.
Our condolences to the Donia Family. May he rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences to the Donia Family.
Our sincere condolences to the entire Donia Family. Joe was so full of life and fun. The trips we took together were always made so much more enjoyable with his great presence.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family on the loss of a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now at this difficult time. May all the wonderful memories of him comfort you.