Rosino Santo
elevated n2M9V October 30, 1928 – May 15, 2026
elevated n2M9V Visitation
Monday May 18, 2026 from 2pm to 6pm
elevated n2M9V Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated n2M9V Funeral Mass – Chapel of St. Joseph (within the Funeral Home)
Tuesday May 19, 2026 at 9am
elevated n2M9V Entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated n2M9V Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rosino Santo of Toronto, Ontario. He left us on the 15th of May 2026. Born on October 30, 1928, in Terelle, Italy, he was the youngest son of Achille and Vittoria, and the brother of Domenico, Antonio, Carolina and Addoloratta.
elevated n2M9V He developed a deep passion for Italian poetry and opera which led to a lifetime of reading, writing and exploring the arts he so loved. He taught himself to play the accordion and piano, which became a source of joy to us all.
elevated n2M9V As a young boy he survived a life-threatening shrapnel wound during World War II. After the war, he immigrated to Canada, settling in Toronto. He found work in construction for a local builder and continued working there as a property manager well into his eighties.
elevated n2M9V He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Maria Santo nee Leone. He married her in 1957 and raised his two children with love and devotion. He will be forever remembered by his son Antonio (Linda), daughter Rita (Stevin), and grandchildren Victoria (Marcus), Anthony, Phillip and David.
elevated n2M9V In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to The Heart and Stroke Foundation
Tony, Rita, and Family,
I am so sorry to hear that Rosino passed away. He was always so full of life and interested in so many things. I remember seeing him on the verandah on Cloverlawn and I asked him what he was reading and he said, The Odyssey. My sincere condolences on your loss.
Tony, Rita and the Santo Family.
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your Dad. So many fond memories of our time at Dufferin and St. Clair, the cottage, weddings and Family functions.
It was many years ago but seems like yesterday.
We are truly sorry for your loss.
Our sincere condolences to you all at this very sad time. We shared so many great times with Rosino and we’ll cherish those memories forever.
Rest in Peace Rosino , you were very loved and admired by family and friends. Xo
Kirow Family
With deepest sympathy to the whole Sant family. My memory of Rosino was with the warmth and the welcome he always provided to the friends of Tony and Rita.
Dear Santo family
I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was always a kind and thoughtful man. My father (Giovanni Grossi) and your father were good friends as well as cousins. I remember often running into your father and mother at the O’Keefe Centre during one of the many opera performances. He was always smiling. Great man!
My prayers and condolences, in my prayers for you all.
Peace
Fr. Lui Santi, cpps
Dear Tony, Rita, and the entire Santo family
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father.
As a family member and neighbor on Cloverlawn for decades, the memories we share are endless. It is difficult to put into words everything he meant to us—from sitting on the veranda and sharing laughs to hearing his stories about Terelle, or discussing the many books he read on philosophy and history. He had a passion for continuous learning, but what I will cherish most was listening to him play the piano and accordion, and of course, singing opera. He was truly an amazing, self-taught man. I also fondly remember the many weekends and summers spent at the cottage.
A true gentleman, respected and loved by many, Rosino leaves behind a legacy of strong work ethic, kindness and wisdom. He belonged to that “greatest generation” who came to Canada with very little and built a successful life despite the language barrier. As the next generation, we owe it to them to continue their legacy and provide for our children.
Rosino, thank you for the memories and life lessons. You made a positive difference in my life.
Rest in peace, dear Rosino. You will never be forgotten.
Sorry to hear about your Dad. Thinking of you Rita and Tony and
sending love from Germany. Angie, Hans and John
Dear Rita,
I am so sorry to hear that your father passed away. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Peace to all.