Harry James Durbano
elevated Z3ATZ August 19, 1952 ~ October 11, 2026
elevated Z3ATZ Visitations
Monday, October 19, 2026 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated Z3ATZ Funeral Mass
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated Z3ATZ Obituary
elevated Z3ATZ Harry Durbano passed away peacefully at home in Barrie, Ontario, surrounded by love, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the age of 74. Gone far too soon, he leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless people who loved him, and a legacy measured not in years, but in the lives he touched.
elevated Z3ATZ Born in Toronto, Ontario, on August 19, 1952, Harry was the eldest of an amazing crew of siblings born to Mary Durbano and James Durbano (predeceased), followed by his brothers Brian (predeceased), Rick and Vince, and his sister Paula. The bonds formed in those early years shaped the man he became: loyal, devoted, fiercely protective of those he loved, and someone who understood that family is life’s greatest gift.
elevated Z3ATZ Anne, his beloved wife and partner of more than 50 years, has been by his side through thick and thin. They built a life rich in laughter, friendship and family, and created a home where love was always at the heart of everything. He was always the first at the door, greeting you with open arms, and there was always room at the table and more than enough delicious food for anyone who could join.
elevated Z3ATZ Harry’s greatest pride and joy was his family. Affectionately known as ‘Pup’ to them all, he was a devoted father to Jamie (Melissa), Robert (Jessica), and Mary Anne (Roberto), and a cherished grandpa to Zofia, Tristan, Hayden, Lilla, and Isabella. Whether he was at every extracurricular activity cheering them on, being silly in his irresistible way, or simply sitting quietly with them, he could always calm every baby and make every kid smile. His love for them was unwavering, and his family always came first. They were his heart, his happiness, and his greatest legacy.
elevated Z3ATZ Harry was part of the fabric of other people’s lives, staying connected through daily texts, birthday wishes, calls, and visits over the years, and sharing moments big and small regardless of time or distance. He always had time for an espresso and a chat to catch up. His influence lives on in the friendships he nurtured, the kindness he extended, the laughter he inspired, and the many moments when he made someone feel that they mattered.
elevated Z3ATZ The loss of a man like Harry leaves an enormous hole in all our hearts. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, and a friend. He was a storyteller, a loyal confidant, a source of joy in the brightest and darkest times, and a steady presence in the lives of so many. His effortless humour and charm, and quite often a mischievous twinkle in his eye, made us all want to be on his side, part of the inside joke, and he always made sure to let you in.
elevated Z3ATZ Even through the most difficult battles with cancer, Harry remained selfless, uncomplaining, and so warm and kind that everyone who encountered him in hospital quickly became his greatest champion. His instinct to make sure everyone else was okay, even amid what he was enduring, was awe-inspiring and a true testament to his extraordinary strength of character and generous heart. He was a legend of a man, and the love he gave so freely will continue to be felt for generations.
elevated Z3ATZ Harry leaves behind a family who adore him, friends blessed to call him their own, and a lifetime of stories that will be shared with laughter, tears, and the grateful certainty that he will always be with us in some way.
elevated Z3ATZ In memory of Harry, donations can be made to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
Harry’s memory will live on forever. He was a friend that you can count on. He will be greatly missed. 🙏❤️
Dear Anne and Family,
We are deeply saddened about Harry’s passing. May God give you all the strength during this difficult time. We will always remember Him for his kindness , love, and amazing sense of humor.
He was one of a kind and his legacy will live through his children and grandchildren, and all of those who lives he touched. we are truly honored and proud to call him our friend. Heavens is waiting for you. Rest in Eternal Peace Harry, until we meet again.
Cal, Lina and family
Dear Durbano family and friends. Our deepest sympathies and condolences….we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved father, husband and friend. Sending you strength during this very difficult time.
Some people possess a kind of beauty that cannot be seen with the eyes, only felt through the heart. They are individuals of extraordinary character, whose kindness comes naturally, whose generosity expects nothing in return, and whose compassion knows no boundaries.
They put others before themselves, not out of obligation, but because caring is simply part of who they are. Their strength lies in their humility, their greatness in their selflessness, and their true wealth in the love and kindness they give so freely.
They never seek recognition for the good they do, nor do they measure what they give against what they receive. Their happiness often comes from knowing they have made someone else’s life a little better.
**People like this are rare. They do not simply touch lives; they leave lasting impressions on hearts. They remind us that true greatness is not measured by what we possess or achieve, but by the goodness we bring into the lives of others.**
They are, quite simply, the kind of people who make the world a better place just by being in it.
This was the Harry i knew.
His spirit will live on…
Valliant Warrior, Advisor, Confidant, Supporter.
Thank you.
You have earned a peaceful heavenly rest.
Love Charlyn
Dearest Durbano family,
There are no words that can ease the pain of losing Harry or fill the space he has left in your lives. He was such a wonderful man and his kindness will be remembered by everyone who knew him. Please know that you are surrounded by love and we pray that Harry is at peace.
With warmest condolences,
The Dinkha Family
Ann, we are so sorry to here of Harry’s passing. His jokes and ever present smiles will be missed by all who had the luck to know him. We wish you and your family some peace during this extremely sad time.
Amazing guy.
Always thinking of others! And a very present father. You can see the love when you walk in the room.
When i saw him last he said don’t be a stranger and how was your shopping trip with Anne today? Ha love him
Harry was a great man with the warmest smile and the kindest heart. He will forever be in all our hearts. Rest peacefully compare and friend.
With our deepest condolences
Mike Santapaga and family 🙏🕊️💙
Harry will definitely be missed by so many. Those childhood Friends that he stayed in touch with along with his Beloved Family. His special connection to his Mom, Mary, was very Special. He loved his Momma for sure calling her every morning to hear her voice and to make sure she was ok. I always admired his charisma and charm. He had a fluent warmth in his persona that made You feel like You had known him forever as soon as You met him. Will miss his genuine Smile of Friendship! You have earned Your Wings. Fly Free My Friend!
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. 🙏🏻
I was deeply saddened to hear of this loss. I had the opportunity to know someone so thoughtful, kind, and caring, who will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
May God comfort your hearts during this difficult time, bringing you strength, peace, and comfort as you navigate this loss. May the love you shared and the beautiful memories you hold bring comfort to your entire family.
My deepest condolences and prayers are with you all. 🤍🕊️
Sandra and Gilberto Santos
My deepest condolences to you all.May he rest in peace and he will always be remembered for his wonderful smile and a great man he was .He will be sadly missed .🙏🙏
Sending our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and all of your family. Praying that God will hold you close and that He, and all of your wonderful memories will bring you comfort and peace as you navigate through this difficult time.
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to all the family. Harry was a wonderful man and will forever be missed and loved by all. May he rest in eternal peace 🕊️🙏🕊️🙏
Julie Liu
Dear Annie and family…WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY….
“To Every Thing, There is a Season”
A prayer that God will be with you
To help you with your sorrow,
To give you strength and faith anew
And courage for tomorrow.
To everything there is a season.
And a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born. And a time to die…
A time to weep. And a time to laugh:
A time to mourn. And a time to dance……
A time to get. And a time to lose….
Meister Eckhart, a 13th century mystic once said that “we are born to be mothers of God because the human person was made to carve out an interior space for God to be born anew.” For us Harry was that kind of person radiating a sparkle of divinity to everyone through out his life.
Dearest Mary, Rick Vince, Paula and Family, I offer to you and yours my heartfelt condolences. and deepest sympathy. May fond memories of the good days overshadow your sense of loss and grief.
Bob and Cyndi (Holtzheuser))
Dear Durbano Family and Friends,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please extend to your family our sincere condolences.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
John and Mary Lou, and my brother David and Family.
Dearest Durbano family,
My sincerest condolances go out to you all. Harry was a wonderful man, so full of life and fun. Anytime that I saw him, he brightened my day. He will be missed by everyone that had the wonderful oppertunity to meet him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rachel Bentley ( Heather Porter’s cousin )
My sincere condolences to the whole Durbano family. Harry will be missed by everyone he ever met. After any encounter with Harry, I left uplifted. He fought hard to stay around as long as possible for everyone! May he rest in peace now.
Our deepest condolences to you all. Harry was a very special person and is already so very missed . Gaz and Harry met in Grade 9 , their friendship spanned six decades . He will never be forgotten and always remembered with love ❤️
Our dearest Compare
We must start our message with a question
Lord why must you pick your best flowers first?
We have a long history with Harry. Exceeding 55 years.
During that time Harry was our group’s moral compass and spark. We had many adventures together which we will cherish forever. He always put ours first time and time again
Compare Harry and Comare Anne together raised a wonderful family who he loved dearly and fought like a loin to stay with them
As he struggled with his pain he demonstrated the courage that we can only hope to match
During his final months we had deep conversations which helped heal my soul
He left a hole in our hearts that will never heal.
We had moved from calling each other Compare to greeting each other as Brother
In the final week we said to each other
Brother
Either we stand together or not at all
Our deepest love Now and Forever
Even though we all knew this was coming, I still find it hard to believe. Harry started his day by texting his friends and family with words of kindness making sure everyone is ok. We decided to email each other because there was just too much to say in a text.
3,285 + emails from March/2017 to October/2026 (I’ve saved everyone).
I spoke to my incredibly brave brother for the last time on October 11, 2026. He said goodbye and we expressed our love for each other…
I still open my emails expecting to get something,
My tears keep falling but my heart bursts with joy knowing that he is pain free and back to his old self in heaven. He has been greeted by many, especially his brother Brian whom I’m sure met him with a song, a big bowl of pasta and a glass of red wine.
I Miss You, I Love You and I will continue to cherish all the stories, laughter, love and memories you’ve left behind.
Your favourite sister, La. ♥ ♥ ♥
Dear Anne and family, deepest condolences during this difficult time. Wishing you all peace and comfort. Rosalyn & Glen Strickey
Dear Anne and Family,
It is so hard to say goodbye, but we know Harry fought so hard and remained strong through it all, never losing the love and care he had for the family and friends he cherished so dearly.
We will always remember his kind heart, warmth, and generosity. He welcomed everyone to the many gatherings he hosted, making people feel at home and bringing friends and family together. He was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever he could.
We hope Harry rests in peace. May he become your guardian angel, watching over and protecting all those he loved.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. ❤️
Brenda and Scott