Michael Potalivo
elevated sWH8Y February 13, 1933 ~ December 29, 2020
elevated sWH8Y It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Michael Potalivo, at the age of 87 on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Beloved husband of the late Mary Potalivo (nee Sgro)(2005) and the late Angelina Potalivo (nee Martino)(1958) . Cherished father of Joanne (Michael Frustaglio), Susan, Nick (Cynthia Giannobile), Christina (Fred Ostermann) and the Late Gino (Debbie, nee Shaleen). Caring Nonno to Angela, Samantha (Perry Tonus), Samuel, Sophia, Espen, Nicholas, Daniel, Gabriel, Sebastian and Matthew. Proudest Bis-Nonno of Jayden and Isabella. Dearest brother of Irma, Linda, the late Amalia and the late Mary. Michael will be dearly missed by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, extended family and cherished friends.
elevated sWH8Y In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or Diabetes Canada, in memory of Michael.
elevated sWH8Y Due to Covid 19 restrictions, there will be a private family viewing on Monday, January 4th and private Funeral Service, on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 at 12:00 pm Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home.
elevated sWH8Y To view the service, please click on the link below.
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elevated sWH8Y Michael Potalivo Life Story
elevated sWH8Y It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our loving father, Michael Potalivo. Whether you knew him as Michele, Mike, MP, Mikey, Toronto Mike, Nonno or his personal nicknames of Mister Magoo or George Washington, you were certainly touched by his happy go-lucky, forever smiling, gentle soul.
elevated sWH8Y In 1949, Nicola and Filomena Potalivo packed up their only son Michele and their daughters Amalia, Mary, Irma and Linda, immigrating by boat to Halifax from Montenero di Bisaccia, Italy. The family settled in the Niagara Falls region where Mike made lifelong friends, and they were reunited with Potalivo and DiPaul relatives that helped them settle in their new country. As a young adult, life in Niagara Falls offered many family events and wonderful memories with young cousins and friends. Mike met and married Angelina Martino in Niagara Falls and they had his first daughter, Joanne, with his young beautiful wife who sadly passed away a month after her birth.
elevated sWH8Y Years later, Mike’s sister introduced him to Mary Sgro from Toronto and they hit it off right away, starting a new life together in the big city. It wasn’t long before the family grew and Susan, Nick, Gino and Christina were added to the pack. Despite all his children, Mikey was the biggest kid of all, often joking around with others and encouraging shenanigans. Much of our family time was centred around sport – whether it was taking in a game at Maple Leaf Gardens, Skydome, watching a game on tv or coaching us in hockey or baseball, Dad was instilling a lifelong love of sport and physical activity in all of us. Although he was a New York Yankees fan, his love of the Blue Jays and Leafs came first. Another love that Mike and Mary enjoyed was travelling with family and friends to destinations like Hawaii, Italy, Vancouver, California, Florida, and Honey Harbour which led them to purchase cottage property in Lafontaine. The cottage provided decades of good times, hundreds of get togethers, surrounded by dozens of cottages with close friends/family, and countless poker games, pig roasts, pizza parties and bocce tournaments.
elevated sWH8Y Even though they had property on the Gulf in Florida and 200 metres from the shores of Georgian Bay, Mikey was not one for the beach and instead was happiest enjoying a glass of wine or cold Labatts Blue after a long day of physical labour on the cottage property with Compare. Dad certainly was a workhorse, often spending hours in his vegetable garden even after a full day’s work as a skilled body man. After decades of owning MP Auto Body, many of his neighbours and friends in the Junction were sad when he decided to retire, missing his giving spirit, camaraderie and ever-friendly disposition. Post retirement, doing nothing provided a challenge and although MP tried to keep himself busy by helping out around the house, he eventually decided to start a new career in the film industry. There were so many relatives at F.I.L.M. Inc. that “work” was more of social time, which comes as no surprise since Dad loved surrounding himself with others. No matter if you were a neighbour, an employee, or a customer, you soon were a friend. Whether getting together with family to make wine, tomatoes or sausage, socializing with bowling pals, attending countless dinner-dances, Gagliato Social Club events, or Niagara Falls family picnics, Mikey loved to catch up with old friends. Even after mom passed away, Dad took on the tradition of writing and mailing out his own Christmas cards and made a habit of sitting down with his phonebook on Christmas morning to check in on all his close relatives and wish them a Merry Christmas.
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elevated sWH8Y Celebrating holidays and his Roman Catholic religion was very important to Mike, this was reflected and appreciated by the many people who chose him as Godparent and Compare. He was a man of deep faith, volunteering his time as an usher at Immaculate Conception Parish in Toronto for many years, continuing his faith at All Saints Church in Etobicoke for decades and later at St. Clare Church in Vaughan. Volunteerism was something that Mike prided himself on, and was recognized by the City of Vaughan for years of service on the Executive Council of Vellore Village Seniors Club. Dad helped organize the monthly bus trips around Ontario, weekly bingo events and daily card games for all the local seniors. Playing italian cards helped keep his mind sharp, slowing down his dementia; and fortunately, he continued to play cards when he moved to his retirement and later nursing home. Over the years, many amazing nurses, caregivers, PSWs and activity coordinators continued to keep Dad active and entertained each and every day, treating him like their own father and we are truly grateful that they were there when we couldn’t be, especially since last March. Mikey touched the lives of many, filled the world with sunshine and inspired us to be the best version of ourselves. He will be dearly missed, but we can take comfort in knowing that he will be greeted in heaven by all his loved ones that have gone before him – strike up the band and pour him a glass of wine, cause Mikey’s got his dancing shoes on!
elevated sWH8Y Michael’s Video Tribute – https://youtu.be/Pxa9iAwr0X8
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Mike’s family upon his passing.
Lou & Anne-Marie Schiavello
Sincere condolences to all the family. So sorry to hear of the loss of Michael. We were so fortunate and blessed to have wonderful memories of time spent with Michael and his loving family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Michael and Laura Potalivo
Sue sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He sounds like an amazing man and good father. Several of his trates sound so much like you.
May he RIP until his family and friends are together for what I imagine will be a very large party!
Take care
We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Potalivo family. Mike will be missed by family and friends. RIP
Ray & Trudy Boetto
Susan it’s evident your father had a life filled with so much love, family, friends and happiness. We are so sorry for the loss of your incredible father. Our Deepest Condolences to you and your family and all your fathers friends. Your father’s love touched many hearts, i’m sure you will all keep him close there. Susan, share his love, his great life stories and adventures. Always… have a seat at the table for him. He will be present, looking over you.
You are all in my prayers.
Condolences to the Potolivo family. 🙏🏻❤️
Our deepest sympathies to all family members and friends that we have met from years past. Please know that you are all in ours hearts and prayers. During these tough times during COVID, please have the safest funeral you possibly can. Hugs to everyone.
Sending our sincere condolences, love and prayers to you all at this difficult time. We have so many wonderful memories shared together with the family. He was such a kind, caring and loving man. He will be greatly missed.
Love John and Lucy DiPaul and family
Dear Joanne, Susan, Nick, Christina and families, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We have many pleasant memories of time spent with your dad over the years. One of our favourites is the excitement at Bloordale Ball Park with our boys playing T-ball and our families cheering all the home runs and the many wins. Mike not only sponsored the T-ball team “MP Auto Body” but assisted with coaching. He was a very kind, warm person and will be remembered fondly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
God Bless, Love, Ada and Joe Schiavello.
He truly was a great man, always had a big smile on his face, first to be on the dance floor; never saw him angry.
🙏🏻You will always be in our hearts.
Chiarina & Louis Frustaglio 💕
So sorry to hear of the passing of dear uncle Mike. My condolences to the family
Our deepest condolences, may he Rest In Peace 🙏🙏🙏
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Mike was an awesome person, always quick with a joke and a warm smile. His fun loving nature and his zest for life will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. His smile and kindness to many will be remembered. He called to wish a Merry Christmas to my mom (Aunt Nancy) for many years. Your loving memories will keep him close to your hearts. Love, Rosemary and Jim Panetta
This made me so sad, you mom and dad were such lovely people. I was hearted to see your dad had the same birthday as Tony. Tony will keep them dancing and Gina will keep them laughing.
Terrible year. So sorry for your loss.
What wonderful memories you have given us even though we did not know him. We do know his lovely daughter Susan and now understand where her giving soul comes from. Thank you. Bruce & Kathy Lee
Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My condolences to all of the family.
Kind and generous are the words that come to mind when we think of our dear Uncle Mike. Our mother only had the highest praise when speaking of her beloved brother. Our condolences to the whole family xo
Christina and family, oh behalf of your St. JBCCC family, our sincere condolences for the passing of your Dad. The tribute to your Dad is heart felt and all the pictures are priceless. Your are truly an example of your Dad’s passion for life. Heaven gained another Angel. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Rest in peace Michael Potalivo
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, Susan. Love. Joan and Dave Hinschberger
Our condolences to the family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love and god bless
Mary and Ferruccio Longo and Family
Our sincerest condolences to the Potalivo family on the passing of your father!
I have such vivid & great memories playing B-ball alongside Gino and Nick, with Mike as one of the coaches on our MP Auto body team way back in the day. Truly great times but it didn’t end there.
Spending summers together at the cottage, I loved going to the WHITE COTTAGE as I am certain so many others did, there was always family & friends ther! The moment you walked in the door Mary & Mike welcomed you with open arms, something to eat and a cold drink, never taking “no” for an answer. Of course you definitely didn’t leave the White Cottage before hearing at least a couple jokes from Mike, he loved to make you laugh and put a smile on your face. Just one of the many special qualities about this special man.
I will forever cherish the memories with Mike Potalivo and family
From Sandra, Lucas, Tyler and myself our heart goes out to you Joanne, Suzy, Nicky & Christina as well as your families.
I will forever remember Mike, Mary & Gino Potalivo, RIP.
Dear Christina,
Our deepest sympathies on the Passing of your Dad Mike. He was such a lovely man–always so happy and friendly. We will miss him.
Joanne and Michael and family, our deepest condolences for the loss of your dad, may your memories live you forever. May he Rest In Peace
Joe and Antonietta Giannotti
My Condolences Michael and Joanne and family, I was saddened to hear about your father passing away and hope that god gives your family strength and comfort through this difficult time. R.I.P Mike
Dear Mike, Joanne and family
My deepest sympathies to you and your family in these difficult times. May he rest in peace
Dear Michael, Joanne and family
We send our deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad and Nonno. You are all in our hearts and prayers. Love and god bless.
Darren and Diane (Boetto) Lawley
Dear Joanne, Michael, Susan, Nick, Christina and families, we offer our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear father Mike.
May his soul be at peace with our Heavenly Father.
Rest in Peace Mike
Our sincere condolences to the whole family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Luana and Doug Bell
Giuliana Potalivo and family
Joanne, Susan, Nick, Christina and family. Sam and I want to express our sincere condolences. Mike was a gentle, kind person, as well a good neighbour.
Mike & Mary are now together, may they Rest in Peace.
Dear Christina, Susan and the whole family, my deepest condolences. Michele was a wonderful man, loving, kind and gentle Soul. We all loved him very much in both Villa da Vinci and Villa Gambin. I will miss him very much! May he now rest in peace in the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ciao Michelino bello (I used to call him that) ❤🙏😇🌹 Your friend Manola.❤🙏😇🌹
Sincerest Heartfelt Condolences to the entire Family. Michael, always had a warm smile and a gentle kindness, that will be missed. Our thoughts and Prayers to all…!
Louis, Justin, Jonathan Frustaglio and Family .
My thoughts and heart are with you during this time. I’m so sorry for the loss of your loved one, as I know Compare Mike was a special person. May the many happy memories that you made together be a consolation today and all the days ahead. I send you my sincere condolences and sympathies.
Our heartfelt condolences to all of uncle Mike’s family. May he rest in peace.
Silvana Sinopoli and family
Dear Joanne, Nick, Susan, Christina and Family,
We are sending our deepest condolences to you all.
Mike was a wonderful, kind and caring person.
We will always have fond memories of him.
May he rest in peace.
Mary Pizzicarola and Family
Anna and Pat Pascuzzi and Family
Send our deepest condolences to the entire family. 🙏🏻
Thinking of you Susan and all your family. Your Dad lived a amazing life and you have so many of his traits. Another Angel in Heaven. He’s always with you. Love and prayers for you all
Love Ed and Shiona Smith
Xoxox
My heart felt condolences to all who were touched by the joy of my Compare’ Uncle Mike
You were truly and icon.
You are now joined with my mom (Sister’s Amalia D’Avolio & Aunt Mary Fabrizi)
Xo
A life well lived and worth celebrating. All the kind words written about him are true. I know I am not alone when I say it is blessing to have known him. Sincerest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the family.
Our deepest condolences to the families . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very difficult time. We have many wonderful memories that will remain in our hearts forever.