John Slosel
elevated C3C0o November 9, 1936 ~ May 30, 2023
elevated C3C0o Visitation
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 10:00 – 11:45 am
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road, East Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated C3C0o Funeral Mass
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated C3C0o Click here to watch the mass
elevated C3C0o Entombment
Blessed Virgin Mausoleum at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
elevated C3C0o Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden, but peaceful, passing of John (Branko) Slosel on May 30, 2023. He was in his 86th year. Devoted husband of the late Mary Ann (nee Sielski), loving father of Sandra and Marnie, adored grandfather of Quinn, Kayla, and Jacob and, more recently, great-grandfather of Bella.
elevated C3C0o Born on November 9, 1936 in the small rural village of Sabonje in Yugoslavia (today Slovenia). John was the youngest, and the last to survive of 8 children, having 2 brothers and 5 sisters. As a young man, he made the decision to seek refuge in Italy, leaving behind his family, home and country. Having been caught and returned on his first attempt, he was successful with his second effort, travelling on foot, and braving the harsh winter conditions with only a warm jacket and a sausage in his pocket. A naturally gifted woodworker, John apprenticed as a cabinet maker in Italy before embarking on a ship across the ocean to Canada at the age of 21, where he took refuge under the Red Cross in Halifax. He eventually made his way to Toronto, where he was welcomed by friends and soon met his wife, Mary Ann, whom he married in 1961. Two daughters were quick to follow.
elevated C3C0o A strong work ethic and providing for his family characterized John’s life. He took tremendous pride in reconstructing his home and crafting fine furniture to furnish it. Highly intelligent and ambitious, John established his own successful carpentry contracting business which he operated until his retirement.
elevated C3C0o Always generous with his family, friends and community, he would happily be there to lend a hand, fix something that was broken, build something that was needed and give money.
elevated C3C0o Following the passing of his wife in 1994, John readily adapted to the role of consummate host and chef. He loved to welcome people to his beautiful home and took tremendous satisfaction in showing them around and sharing the produce from his bountiful gardens. John spent countless hours tending his garden and loved to impress everyone with how plants flourished under his care and expertise.
elevated C3C0o Always a quick wit, John amused everyone with his sense of humour, impressed us with ability to solve puzzles and speak several languages (if only a few phrases for some) and prepare the most delicious meals. There was no one who could beat him on his bowling team!
elevated C3C0o John always had a deep love for children and he became a grandfather bursting with pride and joy with the arrival of 3 grandchildren. He loved to spoil them with gifts and made many trips north to spend time with them. He also loved animals and enjoyed pampering his cat Cleo during his retirement years.
elevated C3C0o As the years progressed, John began to struggle with the symptoms of dementia and encountered other health issues. He came to rely increasingly more on his family who cared and advocated for him, ensuring that he enjoy the best quality of life possible, including the support needed to stay in his beloved home for as long as it was feasible. The family acknowledges the care and support provided by Langstaff Square Care Community. John became a resident there in September 2021.
elevated C3C0o Now at peace, John passed with his daughter Sandra by his side, listening to his beloved Slovenian music. The family welcomes donations made in John’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
elevated C3C0o
Dear Sandy,
I will always remember your Dad’s kindness and generosity. He was an exceptionally gifted craftsman with a keen eye for detail. No question about it, he was truly “one of a kind” guy! He will be missed by all who knew him. Requiescat in pace.
Sandra , Marnie & family
NO one truly comprehends the loss ,that you feel, the sadness that you
must be going through .
John is now at rest and peace in the hand of the Lord .
Our most sincere sympathies to all of you .
Maria & Mike Kekich and Family
Hi Marnie,
I just saw this. I really loved your dad and mom. Your mom was the stylist for my mom, Helen Lickver,years ago, and I was their financial planner. I will dearly miss visits with your dad. He was an inspiration for my home wood projects and of course talked about his family all the time. I’m sad that I lost tract of him these last few years but I know he had a full, loving life. He was,an honest giver and so talented. My sincere, belated condolences 🙏
Those we love don’t go away.
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near.
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Sincere condolences on the death of your Father. May he rest in peace.
Lorraine Travers
Nase iskrene sozalje. Our deepest condolences.
Maria & Branko Salajko
Dear Sandra,
I wish you strength at this difficult time. May your father’s memories be for a blessing
My deepest condolences Sandra to you and your family. May your dad be at peace.
Dear Sandra and family,
Please know that I am thinking of you at this sad time and accept my most sincere condolences as you mourn the loss of your loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
My prayers are with you and may his soul Rest in Peace!
Mariana Stanciulescu
Dear Sandy
I express my sincere condolences on the passing of your dad.
May he rest in peace.
May you know no more sorrow.
Sandy,
my deepest condolences to you and your family.
May your dad rest in peace and may he always live in your hearts.
Dear Sandra and Marnie,
Prejmite naše iskrene sožalje.
Branko (John) ostaja v našem spominu kot dobrovoljna in radodarna oseba.
V mislih smo z vsemi vami.
Naj John počiva v miru in naj ga angelčki čuvajo.
Nevija in vsi mi v širši družini Božič
Dear Sandra and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere and deepest condolences at this incredibly sad and challenging time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May his memory be a blessing.
Our sincere condolences to the family. John’s presence is already missed for the short duration I came to know him. I look around the corner and expect to see him sitting majestically looking through the window and admiring people passing by with dogs and the traffic.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this period.