Michael Nicholas Zerafa Sr.
elevated IDmzD July 29, 1937 – September 15, 2026
elevated IDmzD Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Nicholas Zerafa Sr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who passed away on Tuesday, September 15, in his 90th year.
elevated IDmzD Michael was born on July 29, 1937, in Cospicua, Malta, to Rosina and Emanuel Zerafa. At 16, Mike travelled from Malta to Canada and settled in Toronto. His wife, Daisy, joined him two years later, and together they built a life in Toronto’s Maltese community
elevated IDmzD Mike was predeceased by his wife, Daisy, whom he missed every day following her sudden passing in February 2025. He will be lovingly remembered by his cherished children: Joseph (Heather) Zerafa, Rose Miles, and Michael Zerafa Jr. (Tammy). He was a devoted and proud Nannu to his grandchildren, Johanna Zerafa, Jessica Zerafa, Brianna Bell (Daniel), and Jason Zerafa. He delighted in his great-granddaughters, Penelope Bell, Georgia Bell, Harper Pollard, and Eloise Bell.
elevated IDmzD Michael dedicated many years to his career at CN and VIA Rail before retiring in 1994. A soccer player in his youth, he helped to start the Toronto Hibernians Soccer Club in the early 1960s. Mike was a lifelong sports enthusiast and dedicated fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Manchester United. Mike was also the number one fan of his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic teams, proudly cheering them on as they excelled and competed at the highest levels.
elevated IDmzD Mike was a member of the Malta Band Club, a self-taught handyman, and could often be found tinkering in his impeccably organized garage. He spent many hours driving long distances to visit family with his wife, Daisy, and treasured his trips to Montreal, Chicago, and Florida.
elevated IDmzD He is predeceased by his parents, Rosina and Emanuel, and brothers Charles, Joseph, and Nazarenu.
elevated IDmzD Memorial Tributes
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Toronto Maple Leafs House of Hockey in Michael’s memory.
