elevated 0OBa8 February 17, 1931 ~ May 19, 2026
elevated 0OBa8 Visitation #1
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated 0OBa8 Visitation #2
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 9:15 – 10:15 am
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated 0OBa8 Funeral Mass
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10:30 am
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated 0OBa8 Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Section: 16
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario, 2C7
elevated 0OBa8 Obituary
elevated 0OBa8 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Giuseppe “Joseph” Speciale on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the age of 95 at Caressant Care, Marmora, Ontario.
elevated 0OBa8 Joe was married to the late Ignazia (Nancy) Gatto for 42 years. Ignazia passed away on January 11, 2000 at the age of 65.
elevated 0OBa8 Joe is survived by his daughters Mary (John) Clarke and Josephine Norman.
elevated 0OBa8 Joe was the proud Grandfather (‘Papa’) of Lorraine Nancy (Jeremy) and step-grandfather to Meghan (John), Richard (Laurie), Gary (Kerri) and their families.
elevated 0OBa8 Joe was born in Termini Imerese, Sicily and was the second son of the late Agostino and Maria Speciale.
elevated 0OBa8 Predeceased by his oldest brother Angelo – 2019 (Maria), late Salvatore – 2021 (Coradina), Anthony (the late Gina – 2000), Leonardo (the late Teresa – 2020), Zina (Agostino) Mantia and Gus.
elevated 0OBa8 Uncle Joe will be missed by his many nieces and nephews. As well as extended family and friends.
elevated 0OBa8 Joseph was a unique and extraordinary man, always thinking of ways to improve the smallest thing. He loved gardening at his home in Markham, where he lived for more than 52 years. Joseph was a strong and devoted Catholic Parishioner and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7689 at St. Patrick’s Parish in Markham for many years. Joseph was also a member of the Markham Fair.
elevated 0OBa8 We would like to thank Markham- Stouffville Hospital Cardiac Ward, Dr. Julie Yu, Dr. Siva and staff, Sunrise of Unionville Staff, Dr. Shahidi and Staff at Marmora Caressant Care for your kindness, dedication, hard work and respect for our Father the last three and a half years.
elevated 0OBa8 Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
elevated 0OBa8 If desired in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph Speciale’s name to the Alzheimer’s Society , Heart & Stroke Foundation or St. Patrick’s Parish Markham, Knights of Columbus #7689.
elevated 0OBa8


Joe carried a gentle kindness that touched everyone around him. He had this way of lifting your spirits with a simple compliment, reminding you of your beauty inside and out. He was a sweetheart in every sense of the word — loving, attentive, and always looking out for us just as we looked out for him. His heart was full, and he shared it generously. Thank you, Joe, for the love, the care, and the memories. Your absence leaves a quiet ache, and you will be missed dearly.
Thank you Krystal. You and everyone at Marmora Caressant Care are exceptional! Everyone will always have my deepest gratitude. Blessings Mary and John Clarke.
Dear Family…Joe was a special special man,,,I remember him so well as i was friends with MARY in our childhood days at school……I always noticed his kind gentle ways..always so courteous and smiling…He was a remarkable man …..I am truly honoured to have known such a person.My deepest sympathies to all at this time……xooxoxo
We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all your during this difficult time. ❤️
Katherine & Anthony Rospo & Family
My deepest condolences to Mary & John and to Joesephine, as well as all the grand and great grand children.
Whenever you see a beautiful garden full of nature’s bounty, think of Joeseph and smile.
Our sincere condolences to You , Lorraine and Jeremy ♥️
Sending our Love and Prayers 🌹
Love debbi & Brian
Goodbye Nonno Joe( I used to call him that) you knew me since the day I was born and took care of me like you were family. Thank you for all the car rides. I will cherish all the memories I had with you.
Say hi to my Ninni and Nenne
Joseph was a very special member of Saint Patrick’s. He was truly devoted to his church and involved in many ways showing his loyalty and support.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family Josie. Your dad was a fine gentleman and I will never forget his famous award winning sunflowers. A donation will be made in his name.
So Sorry Condolences
To Family and Friends
Thank you Mary and Pat. Daddy and Mama and your parents Anthony and Ignazia Caruso are all together. Blessings. Mary and John Clarke
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
I will always remember Joe fondly from the very first day I met him advertising his pears for sale. What stayed with me most was not just his kindness, but his genuine generosity. He always welcomed me into his home, offering a drink, something to eat or just having a warm conversation.
I hope you can find comfort in the many lives he has touched.
Thank you Courtney. Dad always spoke fondly of you and enjoyed your visits and chatting outside. Yes, the Pears! Thank you for watching over his house when he was in M-S Hospital and cutting his grass! He was larger than life and a character! Take care. Blessings. Mary
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. May he rest in eternal peace. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Ernesto Gigante & family