Martinho de Sao Jose
elevated zfQOn September 27, 1932 – March 30, 2021
elevated zfQOn Martinho de São José (88) passed away on March 30th, 2021 peacefully in his home, with his family at his side. Martin is survived by his devoted wife and soulmate of almost 60 years, Renate, and by his loving children Anita and David (Vee), and grand-children Natasha, Trevor, Ashley, Ryan and Joshua. Martin was born in Portugal and set sail for Canada following his service in the army, docking at Pier 21 in Halifax on May 16th, 1955 on a lone journey that led to a wonderful and prosperous life here in Canada. In 2005 the Canadian Government honoured Martin with a Certificate acknowledging his role in the “50th Anniversary of the Pioneers from Caranguejera.” His beginnings were difficult, including being involved in a massive factory explosion in Port Colborne, Ontario, that burned 66% of his body. Instead of being victimized, Martin endured the surgeries and rehabilitation, returned to school to obtain an RIA accounting designation, and eventually returned to work for the very same company: but this time in the office instead of the factory floor. His role as an auditor for the company took him all over Canada. Not satisfied with this achievement, Martin soon ventured off to start a hardware business with his brother Isidro on College Street, in Toronto. For over 46 years, Martin and his brother built a strong presence in the College Street and Portuguese communities that they served. Martin was a well liked and respected member of the College Street business community, serving as Treasurer of the” Little Italy” Business Improvement Area. Martin’s strong business acumen, thoughtfulness, determination, and calm demeanour was the root of his success. Martin’s humour and his thought-provoking perspective on history, politics, and the economy was infectious, making him an instant hit wherever he laid his feet: the quintessential “people person.” This, along with his warm heart, and his jovial smiles, will be dearly missed. Martin was predeceased by his siblings Manuel, Tony, Isidro and Maria, and survived by his siblings Bento, Herminia and Emilia. It is with much regret that pandemic restrictions will make visitation and memorial celebrations very restricted. A Celebration of Life will be organized sometime after the pandemic restrictions are lifted, to give Martin the send-off and remembrance that he deserves.
elevated zfQOn
Family and friends are invited to view the Funeral Mass on Tuesday April 6, 2021. Please click the link below:
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elevated zfQOn
elevated zfQOn
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and we regret not being able to be with you.
Thank you for your sentiments Fernando. We too very much regret not being able to invite you. The Covid restrictions really made a hard day even more difficult.
We hope you, Teresa, and the kids are doing well.
Renate and family.
Our thoughts are with you all, during this difficult time. Martin will be greatly missed.
Our deepest condolences.
Tia Renate
Meus sentimentos para você e sua família.
Que Deus seja um abrigo nesta hora de dor.
Thank you Delfina,
I do take comfort in knowing that Martin is in God’s hands, but during quiet times Martin’s absence is still deafening to me.
I hope you and your family are doing well.
Renate and family.
Thank you Sandra. It is not easy for me to wash away an endearing relationship of over 60 years. You got it right when you said he will be greatly missed, and I thank you for that sentiment.
I hope you, David, and the kids are doing well.
Renate and family.
Our condolences to Renata, and all the family, Martinho will be greatly missed.
Thank you Victor and Alzira for our kind words. We really wish our hands were not tied by Covid, as we would have loved to share stories about Martin with you (and everyone else).
We hope you are doing well.
Renate and family.
Dear Aunt Renata,
Life has several mysteries, the biggest of which is death. We can never understand why a loved one has to leave. The pain we feel is immeasurable. At these times there is no word that can be said to be able to comfort our hearts. Everything seems to lose its meaning and become small in the face of such suffering. My condolences for your loss. May the time bring peace and relieve your suffering with the family. In my heart Dionísia Santos and family.
Thank you Dionísia. I know you speak from the heart in expressing the hurt during this painful period, and I also trust you when you say that time will help to lessen the hurt and the pain.
I hope you and your family are doing well.
Renate and family.
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and with Martinho. He was a kind man. Our deepest condolences.
Thank you Edward. I couldn’t agree with you more – Martin was a very kind man. I take comfort in knowing that he left that impression on others, like yourself. Thank you for sharing, and your thoughtful words.
I hope you, Nini, and the family are doing well.
Renate and family.
My families hearts are with you and your family.
Thank you Didier and your extended family. I know it is difficult to be across the Atlantic during this time, but your support makes it feel like you live across the street. Thank you very much.
Renate and family.
Lamentamos a vossa perda. Nossos pensamentos e orações estão com vocês. Nossos mais profundos pêsames.
Thank you Graciete and family. I understand from Didier that the Covid restrictions in Portugal are starting to be relaxed, but in Ontario everything is very restricted, which makes this hard time even more difficult. But words of encouragement like yours, from across the world, helps to feel connected when our government tries to make people feel very disconnected. Thank you very much for your kind words.
I hope you and your family are doing well Graciete.
Renate and family.
Renata and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences.
May the peace that comes from the memories shared, comfort you in the days ahead.
We are sharing in your sorrow.
Frank & Fiona Maione and Family
Thank you Frank and Fiona,
The memories are a double edged sword for now – they bring both happiness and extreme sadness, but I remain optimistic that over time the former will eclipse the later.
Thank you for your kind words of support.
I hope you and the family are doing well.
Renate and family.
Renata, my condolences to you and your family in this time of need. My husband, Joaquim Teotonio was always very fond of him, as one of the first pioneers from his childhood hometown of Caranguejeira. He is always with all of you in spirit, resting in the promiseland. God Bless you all, Maria Cândida Teotonio & children.
Condolences