Saviour “Sam” Lia
elevated UA4Pr (June 13, 1946 – January 16, 2021)
elevated UA4Pr It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Saviour “Sam” Lia in his 74th year. Beloved father to Carmen and Carlo Battiston and Francine Lia-Calderwood. Adored grandfather to Hugh John, John, Andrew, Nolan and Matthew. Son of Francis and Carmela Lia. Loving brother to Joe, Connie and Carmen, spouses and families.
elevated UA4Pr Saviour made a life decision to travel from the island of Malta to Toronto, Canada to begin a new life. This young rebel with slicked back hair, tattoos, stylish clothes and 2 guitars had dreams. Being a new immigrant, he began a new life with his wife Tessie Galea. With the love and support of the Gerada and Ielo family, family and many friends they raised 2 daughters. Saviour now calling himself Sam started as a Machinist and eventually retired from General Electric Canada. He later opened Lia Janitorial and Sam and Tessie helped their daughters achieve post- secondary education. Sam loved fishing, fast cars, weekend trips to Brighton and a lot of rock and roll. He had a love for good food, family and life. Although for us, he was taken too soon and dealt with health issues, he was blessed to watch his 5 grandsons grow up and in turn adore him. His humor, character, storytelling and love for life will never be forgotten.
elevated UA4Pr Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a private family Funeral Service at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 12:00 pm. An interment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. For those who wish to view the service remotely, please click on the link below. The link will go live 10 minutes before the scheduled time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Canadian Diabetes Association in Saviour’s memory.
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My deepest condolences to Francine, Carmen, Carlo, Hugh John, Andy, John, Nolan and Matt for the loss of your dear father and amazing Grandpa. He will be missed. I will miss my cousin Sam.
Sam had a heart of gold and a smile that warmed my heart. Always the first one to help. His happiest moments were with his family. He loved Tessie, cherished his daughters and waited patiently to have grandchildren. He loved all of you and truly felt blessed being part of your life. “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” (quote – Pericles)
Sincere condolences on your loss. May God wrap his arms around you to provide you with peace and comfort.
Our sincerest condolences to Francine, Hugh John, and Nolan. and also to Francine’s sister Carmen and her family. Your father was a great man. He was always happy and you could see that he loved you all dearly. It was an honor to have met him at your many birthday parties. May eternal light shine upon him.
Love Velia, Americo, Serena and Sofia Viola
Thank-you for the beautiful service. Although I did not have the honour of meeting Sam personally, I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy to my dear friend Francine and all of her extended family. From what Francine has expressed over the years, I can only imagine that her fiery passion and zest for life is hugely owing to her dad, Sam, and her strong Maltese roots. While words can never fill the void, I hope that the love of families and friends can somehow help in some small way. My sincerest condolences…Michelle xo