Joe Cerami
elevated Tw0WL May 31, 1957 ~ March 17, 2024
elevated Tw0WL Funeral Mass
Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated Tw0WL Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Joe Cerami on March 17, 2024. Reunited with his loving father, Gaspare; devoted son of Salvatrice Cerami; beloved brother of Biagio (Anna) and Enza Valeria; uncle to his three nephews whom he loved very much: Godson Robert (Stephanie), Anthony (Emily) and Michael (Alexandra). He also leaves behind his cousins Fillippina (Jean) Drouin; Tom Mungiovi (Josette) and their families as well as cousins and an Aunt in Italy. He will be missed by many colleagues and friends.
He was my best friend at work, the first person that I made sure to see every morning … we made sure to always bump fist’s and talk about the night before and converse about the days ahead. We would make jokes all day and it kept us light hearted. He would come to my parents house and have a beer. He would to my house with my kids running around. He would invite me and kids to swim in his pool regularly. My heart is heavy and I cried a lot and still in disbelief. I’m going to miss you joeseppe.
Thank you so much … my heart is filled with joy to know that my brother had a friend such as you.
In 2016/2017, I had the best Grade 8 teacher. He would always throw candy randomly and he would take us to the park. He really made my childhood memorable and I can agree my classmates felt the same way.
Rest in peace Mr.Cerami
Hi Matthew,
So glad he made your childhood memorable. I remember him telling me how he loved throwing candies randomly whIle his students would just go crazy. It gave him such a laugh and brought him so much joy.
Hi Albert,
Joe spoke highly of you. He had so much fun joking around with you at work and really enjoyed having you and your kids over for a swim. I once overheard him saying good bye on the phone to you with ” I love you bro!’ Thanks for being his buddy. A previous message I wrote from way back was not posted for some reason.
The best teacher I ever had. He helped me a lot with issues growing up and always made sure I was okay. I will never forget you Mr.Cerami and I hope to meet you again one day in heaven.
Hi Alvin,
Thanks.
As his sister, I know this
would mean so much to him.
So sad to find out Mr. Cerami passed away. He was one of my favourite teachers at St. Boniface. In grade 3 he drove me to the track city finals and he saw how bummed out I was about placing 4th so after the meet he bought me McDonald’s and let me pick out whatever I wanted from the dollar store and we actually ended up getting matching Italian charm bracelets lol he has a heart of gold. I know he’s smiling down at all of us. Rest in eternal peace.
Hi Dominique,
Aw, such as sweet memory. Thank you for sharing. Sounds so like him. That’s so nice that you ended up getting the same Italian charm bracelet. I bet he still has his.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Cerami!! He was my favourite teacher at St. Boniface! He not only was an amazing teacher, but so kind and supportive of his students. Definitely a heart of gold. Always made math class fun. Condolences to his family! May he rest in eternal peace! 🥹💗
Thanks so much Luiza.
He enjoyed being a teacher, cared so much about his students and tried to make learning as much fun as he could. It would warm his heart to know he achieved his goal with you.
Mr Cerami was a Proud member of the Boniface community, his smiles kept everyone happy. He was an amazing Teacher, he was always so caring, expressive and happy about being our teacher. May the Lord be with the friends and family of Mr Cerami God bless 🕊️❣️
Hi Vithiananthan,
Thank you for your kind words and sharing your nice memory of Mr. Cerami.
My condolences to the Cerami family on the passing of Joe. I worked with Joe at St. Boniface for many years . He had a great sense of humour and was a great teacher and friend. May he rest in eternal peace🙏🏾
Hi Brenda,
Thank you so much.
Mr. Cerami was a St. Boniface legend. I’m proud to be one of his former students. I remember running into Mr. Cerami during my first year of supply teaching with the TCDSB in 2022. We were both coincidentally supply teaching at St. Boniface that day. I recall going up to him saying “Do you remember me?” Mr. Cerami responded “Of course I remember you!” and welcomed me with a big hug and glowing smile. I’ll never forget him saying “Of course you became a teacher. You’re going to be amazing at it.” I continue to live by those words. Mr. Cerami, you will be missed.
Aw, thanks so much Alexia! So sweet! I can just see him smiling at the thought of being a legend.
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Joe’s passing. He and I worked together for many years at St. Boniface School. Joe was a kind, funny and generous man who was completely devoted to his family. After I retired and moved away, we still kept in touch. To Joe’s mother, sister, brother, sister-in-law, nephews and other family members, your hearts are broken. You will miss Joe every day but he will be with you always. At this very difficult time know that many share your sorrow. Rest easy my friend. You are among the angels now watching over those who meant so much to you.🪽
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your kind, comforting words.
We love you mr Cerami
It was with great sadness that I heard of Joe’s sudden passing. Joe and I became friend’s when he was a student teacher in one of his practicums in teachers college. I later hired Joe as a permanent teacher when I became the principal at St. Boniface. We had many chats over the years and had many laughs. His students and the Boniface community respected and loved Joe. We were recently in touch and I am thankful we were able to reconnect.
My deepest condolences to Joe’s family who he often spoke very fondly of.
I’m so sad to hear of Joe’s passing. My prayers are with Joe’s mom, siblings and family. He spoke often about you all and his love and devotion to family was evident.
Joe, whether it was traveling across the city to take our Spec Ed course, an impromptu trip to the Falls, or having beers on the Stone Cottage patio, you always had us laughing.
You were a teacher with integrity, compassion and humour. Your students spoke fondly of you and were better people because of how you loved them. We are all better people because we knew you. I’ll miss you, Joe. I can hear your infectious laugh from here… keep them smiling up there.
Hi M. Murphy,
Thanks so much for your beautiful tribute!
Hi M. Murphy,
Thanks for the beautiful tribute!
Hi Peter,
Joe spoke highly of you and really enjoyed having you as a principal and friend. I remember him mentioning reconnecting with you and how much it meant to him. He really missed you when you left Boniface. Thanks for hiring him and launching his teaching career which gave him so much joy and satisfaction.He always strived to be the best teacher he could be and make learning fun. He really cared about his students. Teaching was the highlight of his many careers.
I am very saddened to hear that Mr. Cerami has passed away. He was such a warm and welcoming person to be around. I consider myself lucky to have been able to be one of his students. He will be deeply missed. Love and prayers to his family and the St. Boniface school community.
Hi Jeevan,
Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad he was appreciated.
I am so fortunate to have known Joe as both a colleague at St. Boniface, and a neighbor. I will miss his kindness, his sense of humor, and his laughter. He indeed was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I am so fortunate to have known Joe as both a colleague at St. Boniface School, and a neighbor. I will miss his kindness, his sense of humor, and his laughter. He indeed was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Hi Donna,
Thanks for your kind words.
Hi Donna,
Thanks so much!
I was so sad to find out Mr.Cerami passed away. I was lucky to be a student of his. He was a great teacher and friend. My condolences to his family I just hope they know that he changed everyone that met him💕 sometimes he gave tough love but only when we needed it and boy was that often for me 🤭😅 love you Mr.Cerami and we will meet again in heaven 🙏🏼💕 RIP to The Best Teacher Mr. Joe Cerami 🙏🏼💕
Hi Peter,
Joe spoke highly of you and really enjoyed having you as a principal and friend. I remember him mentioning reconnecting with you and how much it meant to him. He really missed you when you left Boniface. Thanks for hiring him and launching his teaching career which gave him so much joy and satisfaction.He always strived to be the best teacher he could be and make learning fun. He really cared about his students. Teaching was the highlight of his many careers.
Hi Cassandra,
Thanks so much for your beautiful message.
I know it would have meant so much to him to know that he had such a positive influence.
Hi Cassandra,
Thanks so much for your kind words. It would give him so much satisfaction to know you felt that way and that he was a positive influence.
When I heard of your passing Joe, I was dumbfounded. Too young! Too soon! It saddened me greatly. I will always remember your great smile. I’d walk into your classroom and see your students’ eyes riveted by whatever you were saying. It was a pleasure working with you at St Boniface.
My deepest condolences to your family, colleagues and friends. You will be missed by all.
🙏🫂
Hi Joanne,
Thank you for your kind words. I can see him smiling in satisfaction at the comment about the students eyes riveted by what he was saying. One of his goals was to light a spark in them.
Ciao my cousin you were a brother to me.. I loved I will forget you rest in peace now. I love you
Bonjour Tom,
Mon cher cousin,
Joe chérissait les moments que vous passiez ensemble. Il avait de si bons souvenirs d’enfance. Vous avez partagé tellement de rires et de moments amusants. Il t’admirait et t’aimait comme un frère. Il a vraiment apprécié le temps que toi et ta famille avez passé avec lui en Octobre lorsque vous avez séjourné chez lui. Ça lui a donné beaucoup de joi. Il a fait l’éloge de vous et de ta famille et de tout ce que vous avez fait pour lui. Je suis tres contente qu’il te laisse des beaux souvenirs. Je t’aime.
I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Cerami. He was my favourite teacher and such a great soul! Many of my cherished memories were in my grade 8 year in his classroom. We worked closely together on graduation prep & we chose the song, “I’ll Always Remember You” by Miley Cyrus to play as one of the background songs in the graduation slideshow. Listening to it now, I think of you Mr. Cerami. I’m so grateful and lucky to have crossed paths with you. May you rest in eternal peace 🤍
Hi Vivien,
Thanks for the beautiful words. They mean so much. So comforting to know he will be remembered so fondly.
Joe was my student teacher and later hired as a permanent. We laughed, learned and lived a good time we were together.
Over the years we still kept in touch. This one hurts me deeply. He will be missed and I’m glad we were able to cross paths.
Rest in peace my brother.
Hi Paul,
I remember Joe telling me how much fun he had with you and your class when he was your student teacher.Thanks for helping to make that a positive experience. I’m sure it meant a lot to him that your kept in touch over the years.
Mr. Cerami always filled the halls of St. Boniface with energy. Not a day
would go by without him telling me that I was a very energetic person
and he was always looking out for people. He will not be forgotten for
a long time.
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for your kind words. Perhaps that positive energy will live on in students Mr. Cerami touched like you.
My heart is saddened by Joe’s passing, and I want to extend my condolences to the family.
He and my mother were colleagues, and when I would visit my mom at St. Boniface, he always made me feel welcomed. Later when was an occasional teacher, I had the opportunity to cover for Joe, and it was always apparent how loved he was by the way his students spoke of him.
Joe, I pray that your soul is at peace and you are reunited with loved ones that left this world before you.
Hi Carolyn,
Thank you for your kind words.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace.
Hi Josie,
Our childhood family friend. Thanks for the condolences.
So sad to hear about Mr. Cerami’s passing! My heart goes out to his family. He was a great, gentle and patient teacher who saw potential in his students. Aside from the regular curriculum, he’s instilled valuable life lessons in us as well. Truly left his mark at St Boniface and it’s amazing to see how far his students have come.
Thank you for your heart work and rest in peace, Mr Cerami.
Hi Tim,
Thank you for the kind words. It is so nice to know his life lessons will live on in his students.
Teaching was his passion and he loved his students so much.
My prayers go out to his family and friends. So heart breaking to hear as he was such an amazing person, teacher and friend. My best school memories were in his classroom, he would always joke and laugh with us, his smile is just as unforgettable as him. So grateful to have known him.
May your soul rest in peace Mr. Cerami
I had the joy of having Mr. Cerami as my teacher for grades 6 and 7. He always encouraged me, spoke highly of me to my mom, and was such a funny high spirited man. I have very fond memories that I look back on about him and I am so saddened to hear about his sudden passing. Sending my deepest condolences to his close family and friends.
Thank you for the impact you’ve left on my life and may you rest in peace, Mr.Cerami.
Hi Tanieka,
Thank you for your kind words and sharing your memories of Mr. Cerami. It brings us comfort to know he had such a positive impact on you.
So sad to hear about the passing of Mr.Cerami. He was one of my favorite teachers at St.Boniface who genuinely enjoyed teaching and making jokes. My fondest memory as a kid was when he’d bring in candy for all the kids in the class. Such a kind soul. Grateful to have the pleasure of meeting you.
Rest easy now and thank you Mr.Cerami.
Hi Ashton,
Aw, such a sweet memory! He had so much fun with his students.
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Joe’s passing.
My condolenscence go out to his family and friends.
May the wonderful memories of Joe remain in your hearts and bring you peace
Joe came into teaching later in life to make a difference in the lives of his students. He gave up his career to follow his passion, teaching. His passion and dedication made a lasting impression on me.
The messages from his past students indicate that he achieved what he set out to do. Amazing Joe!!
His easy going nature, positive attitude, infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humour blessed us all!
May you Rest In Peace! Joe, you are now our Angel in heaven. May you watch over and help guide your immediate family and St.Boniface family,too! 😇🙏🏼❤️
Hi Heather,
Thank you so much for your kind words and your beautiful tribute to my brother. I know he would be so happy to know he achieved his goal of making a difference in the lives of his students.
Hi Tabitha,
Thank you for sharing your fond memories of him and all your kind words. It means so much.
I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Cerami. Some of my favourite memories have been in his 7/8 split class in 2018, he would make sure the classroom was always an awesome environment of growth, learning and lots of laughter. He helped foster my love for technology through various opportunities, like the grad yearbook. I’m forever grateful to have been able to meet you. Thoughts and prayers with the family, he will be missed by everyone.
Hi Alex,
Thanks so much for sharing your fond memories of Mr. Cerami.
He would be so pleased to know you felt this way.
I worked at St. Boniface for just a little while years ago, and one of the only memories I have of that school is how nice of a guy Joe Cerami was. I just saw in the school boards memorials section that he passed away, so very sad. Riposa in pace.
Hi Joe,
Thank you.