Vincenzo Calabretta
elevated C2cag August 11, 1944 – February 1, 2021
elevated C2cag It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Vincenzo (Vince) Calabretta announces his death due to complications from COVID 19.
elevated C2cag Vince was born in Isca Sull’Ionio, Calabria and immigrated to Toronto at the age of 16. He was the youngest son of Teresina and Vito Antonio and is survived by his youngest sister, Maria in Italy, his sisters-in-law Franca (Marziale) and Gesa (Sinibaldo) and many cousins and devoted nieces and nephews in Toronto, Montreal and Italy. He was predeceased by his sister Elvira and his brothers, Marziale, Antonio Sinibaldo and Celestino.
elevated C2cag Vince lived a simple life but loved cars, shoes and being around his loving family. He never married and his siblings and their respective families guided him through life and he was always surrounded by love.
elevated C2cag After immigrating, Vince held a number of jobs including driving a delivery truck and working as a tool and die maker. He then worked at Canada Post as a package handler and his 25th anniversary watch and his post office uniform were among his prized possessions.
elevated C2cag Vince’s life was met with many disappointments and challenges including mental illness and other health issues. Despite this, he worked hard and he always had a smile on his face – made even wider when he saw family.
elevated C2cag When he first came to Canada, he initially lived with his brother Marziale and sister-in-law Franca. His nephews Tony and John looked up to him and regarded him as their older brother. Vince was proud to eventually own his own home for several years. Unfortunately, in his later years, he required assisted living – first at AMICA where he received tremendous support from staff, especially Leanne, and then settling at Elm Grove Living Centre where he was loved, respected and received exceptional care. Staff held a special place in his heart and he undoubtedly held a special place in theirs. Recreational Respite staff, notably Petrina and Mallory, enriched his life with laughter and joy through the wonderful outdoor adventures they introduced him to. The family is forever grateful for the remarkable and loving care everyone who worked with him provided our dear Uncle Vince.
elevated C2cag The family would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the excellent staff on 6B, Toronto Western Hospital, who cared for Vince selflessly and stepped in for the family when we could not physically be with him due to COVID restrictions.
elevated C2cag Just as Uncle Vince brightened our lives with his smiles, in his memory, we ask that you offer a smile to a stranger, and one by one, brighten the world.
elevated C2cag If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to CAMH would be appreciated by the family.
elevated C2cag In light of the current COVID 19 Pandemic, the family will be having a private family Funeral Service on Friday February 5, 2021 at 10:30am. To watch the Service live, please click the link below.
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Bless you on your way.
Bless the life you have lived – each day, each hour, each minute.
Bless all of the people you have ever loved.
Bless all of the people who have ever loved you.
Bless the work you did here –
what you made with your hands, your heart, and your love.
Bless the joy you felt – the moments of laughter and celebration.
Bless the moments of the regret for things said and unsaid,
done and undone.
Bless the forgiveness that releases those regrets
and replaces them with love.
Bless the peace that surrounds you as you fly free.
Bless the curtain that rises to let you in.
Bless the love that welcomes your soul.
Bless the God the heals all wounds, takes all pain,
and shows you the love that you are,
and always were, and always will be.
Bless the moment when you became that love.
Bless you on your way.
*written by Mary Davis
Uncle Vince, thank you for being a blessing in all of our lives. You will be fondly remembered and forever loved.
Love, Mary and Frank Sanzo
Our deepest condolences to a loving and caring family.
To Teresa Caprini and her family, (special niece to Uncle Vince)
I want to acknowledge your unwavering support to Vince and your professional guidance to ensure he was always engaged and well taken care of. My family got to know Vince through your positive, heartwarming discussions of him. It was clear to us that he was very special to you, and we admired the time you took to be involved in his life, and advocate for his needs. It was heartwarming to see your genuine devotion to him. He was a special man who will not be forgotten.
God Bless Vince and all of his extended family. May you find strength in each other, as you grieve his loss.
Sincere Condolences.
Irene Vrckovnik and family
Our hearts go out to the family in your time of sorrow , please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the family find comfort in the memories shared with Vince – growing up I always remembered him as a kind and gentle soul and always filled a room with a smile.
May his soul Rest In Peace .
Love from Maria Chiara Roldan and Emilia Macri
We will miss him dearly, but know that he is no longer suffering and resting in a deep sleep.
We will always remember him, not for his words, because he was a quiet gentlemen of few words.
I will remember him for his special smile and his kind actions.
I will remember him, as the younger brother of my Father, who was always humble to accept the advice of others and listen to others.
He never married, but always viewed his extended family as his source of strength and encouragement.
He was hardworking, and spent most of his working life with Canada Post and know doubt was friendly to all that walked across his path.
His love of cars was obvious, I still remember his 2 door Chevelle coupe from the early 70s and he was always a sharp dressed man with his hair always combed back to perfection.
He was truly an “earth angel” never looking for conflict, but always looking for peace and mediation.
We look forward to the fulfilment of this scripture found at John 5: 28, 29
“Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of Life….
Vito Calabretta ( Nephew )
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose, a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew, a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace. (Ecclesiastes 3, King James Version)
It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of Vince’s life. To explore new interests and nurture old ones in our time together, and always be met with a smile. We are so grateful. Thinking of you in this difficult time.
Amy and Team, Recreational Respite
The loss of Uncle Vince leaves us with sadness and grief. Our fond memories of him will in time help us dwell on the many happy occasions shared. A simple visit with coffee and muffins would light up his face. Everyone who knew him will recall his warm smile and sense of humor. We take great comfort in knowing God will remove all suffering and pain. You will always be remembered with love.
Vince is gone but not forgotten, we love and respect him dearly from
staff at ElmGrove Living Centre.
Condolences to his family.
He will be missed dearly.
Dear Teresa and Family
I will always have a found memory of you speaking of your beloved uncle Vince. Our deepest condolences to you and to your brother.