Walter Villa
elevated Z5aoF May 25, 1959 ~ May 27, 2020
elevated Z5aoF Funeral Service
Private
elevated Z5aoF Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated Z5aoF Live Stream: Monday June 1, 2020 at 10:25 a.m. Click Here to View The Funeral Service
elevated Z5aoF Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
elevated Z5aoF Obituary
elevated Z5aoF Walter Villa passed peacefully with family by his side, after his battle with cancer on May 27, 2020 at Mount Sinai Hospital. He is survived by his spouse Gizella and step-children Karoline and Alexander. Walter is also survived by his children Alex (Colleen), Matthew (Elisa), Ryan (Jennifer), Erica (Shaun), and his grandchildren Wesley, Chloe, Alivia, Nataly, Isabella, Leah and Jacob.
He is also survived by his mother Giulia, father Livio, sister Diana (Larry), niece Amanda and nephew Adrian.
elevated Z5aoF Walter has now joined with Mimma in eternal life along with all the loved ones who passed before them.
elevated Z5aoF Walter will be remembered as a loving husband, father, step-father, nonno, son and brother who was devoted to family and loved every moment he spent with them. He will be remembered for his infectious laughter, smile and outgoing nature. He is also remembered for his passion and commitment to helping others as he did at the Meta Centre for those with disabilities and as a teacher to all of his students at Zion Heights Junior High School. He will be remembered for his love of the dramatic arts, fishing, music, sports and his ability to make everyone around him smile and laugh.
elevated Z5aoF The family would like to express deep thanks to the staff at Mount Sinai Hospital for their compassionate care.
elevated Z5aoF Given the current situation, the family is having a private service at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home and interment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Thornhill, Ontario. In honour of Walter’s memory, please consider making a donation to Meta Centre, https://www.metacentre.ca/donate/ in lieu of flowers. Online condolences can be left at catholic-cemeteries.ca
elevated Z5aoF Click Here to View The Funeral Service
My deepest sympathy to the family. Walter was a dear friend who taught with me at C.H. Best. I have many happy memories of him.
My deepest condolences to the entire family, we are greatful to have had the pleasure of meeting Walt, he was a great man, always happy with a big smile and contagious laugh. May you rest in paradise.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.
Will be remembered for his smile and happy disposition.
R.I.P Walter
We will miss your happy smile and your positive outlook. Walter was always enjoying being with family.
Now he is without the pain of disease and finally at peace.
I went to University with Walter at York and worked with him on several plays! I adored him and his prodigious talent.
Ciao Zione… As I used to call you during your Italy trips. Rest in peace and really hope you can keep laughing up there as you used to do, Lorenzo Urbini.
I had the pleasure of meeting you and spending moments of absolute happiness with you. I will never forget you Walter. I love you. Cecilia Villa
His beaming smile and twinkling eye was his trademark. His love of family was paramount and so evident during his playtime with the grandkids.He will be so missed by his family.
Forever in my Heart.
Martina
RIP you will be in our hearts
Dear Erica and Ryan our deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Sandy & Peter
So incredibly saddened by this news. I enjoyed my conversations with Walt so much. We shared so many passions – fishing, travel, kids. Not only was Walt a shining light to his grandchildren, he was always so engaging with our kids as well. He would always speak excellent French to our boys. RIP Walt, you will be greatly missed.
Sending my deepest condolences to all of you , having to go through this difficult time. May Walter rest in eternal peace with those he he has loved and lost . Xo
You will definitely be missed Walter. I’m still having a hard time accepting this news but I am happy knowing your in a better place. Thank you for being such an amazing amazing amazing neighbour. I always looked forward to seeing your nice smile every morning and our morning talks. Till we meet again
I am so sorry for you lost Gizella my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
So sorry to hear of Walter’s passing. He seemed to always have a gleam in his eye and definitely shared his positive sense of humour with everyone. He was a valued staff member of C.H. Best Elementary and Middle School during my tenure. Walter will be missed.
Heather Mitchell,
Dear Alex & Matthew,
So very sorry to hear of Walter’s death. He was a kind sweet soul & taken to soon. Take comfort in knowing that he’s at peace and pain free . Love & Hugs Gail Gravelle
God bless you dear Walter. My friend, colleague and most of all a loving Nonno to your grandchildren. John and I loved you so much. Rest peacefully dear friend. Until we meet again. Enjoy a good belly laugh with John. 💕
My condolences to Walter’s family. What a terrible loss. He was my colleague but more importantly he was my friend. No matter what was happening in his own life, he always tried to make me laugh. He was hilarious! But more than that , he was a kind and gentle soul whose presence loomed large in so many lives. Rest In Peace friend. You will be missed greatly by so many.
Dear Ryan, Jenn, Erica, Shaun, Alex, Colleen, Matthew and all of Walt’s family.
I was heartbroken to hear of Walt’s passing just days after John. Walt always had a big warm hug when we got together, his big smile and hearty laugh will always be remembered with love.
To Alivia, Nataly, Isabella, Wesley and Chloe, your dear Nonno will always be in your heart and we will all keep his memory alive. May he Rest In Peace. I will watch on Monday and remember him in my prayers. Much love xx
I’m so sorry Erica, I forgot Leah and Jacob, he loved you so much xx
This saddens my heart greatly. Walter was loved by so many-especially his family. I had the privilege of attending Nelson A Boylen SS with Walter, teaching together at CH Best, and working together to write and perform school plays with our students. His wonderful sense of humour, kind and caring manner, huge smile and love of his family, students, friends, and those he worked with won’t be forgotten. I’m glad you are at peace, Walter. Karen Madarasz Xx
Please accept my deepest, heartfelt, sympathy over the sad loss of Walter. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. Love & hugs, Gerri
I was shocked and deeply saddened to read of Walter’s passing away, and I want to extend my deep condolences to all who were close to him. Walter and I were good friends in the 1980s, when we both worked at Trinity Theatre Toronto. We shared birth experiences when Matthew and Alexander were born, and our daughter Robyn two months later. Walter taught me how to replace the brakes on my car, which I continue to do to this day! None of them have failed. I have very fond memories, and they came flooding back when I read this news. To his family and all of his loved ones: may you be given much strength and courage in your grief.
During my first years of teaching, my classroom was across the hall from Walter. I learned so much from watching how he dealt with both students and staff.
His smile, laughter, and never taking himself too seriously definitely made him a “fan favourite”. There is no doubt that he left an imprint on so many!
I will never forget his support and friendship during those years.
My condolences to all that were impacted by this great man.
Walter was the most amazing human being – kind, loving, funny, so intelligent and the most incredible teacher! And he had a glorious singing voice and charismatic persona both on stage and off. Walter headed up special education at Zion and was also one of our guidance teachers. All the students and staff adored him.
My deepest condolences to Walter’s family – he will be missed by so many of us. He was a very, very special man!
From my heart, Jo-Anne Weinstein, Retired Principal of Zion Heights and former Cabaret member as well
Our deepest condolences to all of you in this time of grief and sadness. Walter showed great empathy and understanding, especially to those with special needs. He’ll be greatly missed..
Walter was a passionate person. I had the pleasure of working with him as a teacher at C. H. Best M.S. He was a wonderful support to staff, students, parents. Of utmost importance for him was his love for family and friends. His positive attitude, caring disposition, and love of life were profound. He will be deeply missed by all and remembered with love. May his soul rest in peace. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all others who felt his impact. Marl Tranter xox
I am very sorry and deeply saddened to hear of your loss of Walter. I have fond memories of us playing as kids and I will always hold those dear to my heart. My deepest sympathies to all the family, stay strong and I’m thinking of you.
Nadia
My darling Walter. Our time was far too short but the time we did have was absolutely wonderful. I love you with all my heart and always will. I will cherish our wonderful memories forever. Rest In Peace my darling husband until we meet again in heaven.
My condolences Diana, So sorry to hear about your brother, Walter.
RIP Walt. We will miss you forever.
Matthew, Alex, Ryan, Erica and Walters family. We are heartbroken and saddened with Walters passing. We will never forget his laugh and smile. He now is together with Mimma, soulmates forever.❤️
Walter was a true gem of a man. He was always there to help you in any way he could. His infectious laughter will always be remembered, as will the words of wisdom he passed on to his close friends. Sleep well, Walter. You have earned the satisfaction of knowing how many lives you touched. Rest In Peace, my friend. I will miss you, and cherish the numerous good times we had together.
Walter was like my second father growing up as a child. I would always be playing and hanging out with Erica and Walt would welcome me with a smile and a joke.
He had a recognizable voice and infectious laughter.
My deepest sympathies to the family. He was a gentle soul and a genuinely great man.
My families deepest condolences to Walter’s family especially to Gizella. May your thoughts on this difficult day be filled with the wonderful memories and gracious smile he shared with you and others.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family at this very sad time. Walt was an amazing human being whose capacity to love and accept everyone was boundless. He left us too soon. RIP Walt.
Gabby & John
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and the passing of such an amazing man. I had the privilege of working with Walter at C.H. Best. He helped this struggling first year teacher, especially in drama. He made every event so much fun, in and out of the school. He made sure we all knew about the World Cup! I am so thankful to have known him. Praying for you all, that you would know God’s incredible love and comfort during this time.
May our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of Walter’s loss. May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. … Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may Walter’s soul rest in peace.
Louie, Jeanne, and Rebecca.
Our sincere condolences to Gizella and Walter’s children. Walter was always the person who brightened up a room and he certainly put smiles on the faces of all the clients at Meta. His infectious personality will be sadly missed. May your wonderful memories with him bring you strength during this difficult time.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Rob and Nancy
My deepest condolences to the entire family. I have so many precious memories of time spent with Walter that I will cherish for as long as I live. Just the thought of him makes me smile and warms my heart. He was larger-than-life and brought so much joy to everyone around him – he’ll truly be missed. Rest in peace dear Walter.
I genuinely loved this man. We loved one another and truly attempted to make a life together. Our time together I remember now fondly, and the sons we shared.
Despite our differences, and despite being only in each other’s periphery these many years, when I was told of his death, I was shaken and deeply saddened by a tremendous sense of loss. The news has left a big hole and the realization that Walter had always been a part of my ecosystem. And always will be, because when I look at Alex and Matthew, I will always be reminded of all that was best of him.
Rest in peace Walter, knowing you will be lovingly remembered.
My dear Erica, Ryan, Jennifer, Shaun, Walt’s parents and the rest of the family
I was so sad to hear of Walter’s passing. Such a lovely man with an infectious laugh and a huge loving heart.
I hope that Walter and John will share a few memories together. You will be sorely missed.
Sending my deepest condolences to Walter’s family. My thoughts are and will continue to be with you all. Walter was one of the kindest and most sincere people I have ever had the privilege of meeting and treated me like his own daughter during my time in Canada. I will forever treasure the time spent with him, from teaching me to fish to always watching the hockey with me, he was a blessing in my life. Rest in peace, Walter ❤️
Love Reka and family.
Our memory of Walter’s love and kindness will remain and not soon forgotten. May you be blessed with the strength and love Walter wanted for you and for all.
Zio Walter.. You were like a second father to myself and my cousins Luke and Daniel. Everyone you met truly loved you. Our family is so heart broken. This is one of the worst things our family could have ever imagined happening at one of the worst times it could happen. The things people could say about you are truly endless just like the beautiful memories I have with you that I will cherish and live in my heart forever. You were there for me in some of the worst times of my life and gave me the life advice to make me a better and stronger person. I love you so much. Say hi to Mima in heaven for me. Together again at last. Rest In Peace. <3
i extened my deepest condolences to matthew, Alex, Erica, his dearest wife and to all his grandkids. he had all the love in the world and cherished you all so very much along with the rest of the family.we lost not only a great man but a wonderful, brilliant, beautiful soul who shall live on through our wonderful memories of him. walt we will all miss you more than words can ever describe
Dearest Walter and to his beloved family:
Everytime I bumped into Walter, whether at Zion or later at Bayview (during a visit), his booming voice, incredibly positive vibe and genuine kindness left everyone around him feeling exceptionally special. You know your day would go well when you were exposed to the “Walter effect”. He is truly a soul to be remembered forever. RIP dear friend.
Sofia
Our deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. We feel so blessed to have had the privilege of knowing Walt. He was an amazing person and will be missed by all Rest In Peace Walt.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Walter’s passing away. I want to express my deepest condolences to his family, parents and sister. Walter and I had the pleasure of being good friends in the late 70s and 80s during our high school years. When I think of Walter memories of fun and laughter come to memory. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Walter several years ago. He was the same Walter I knew, full of laughter and happiness. Walter you will be deeply missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Alex we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father – all of us at Encore are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time – our deepest condolences.
A poem by E. Brenneman:
His Journey’s Just Begun –
Don’t think of him as gone away – his journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets – this earth is only one. Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think of how he must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but sadness can really pass away. And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched for nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.
We had the great fortune of getting to know Walter when he joined our extended family. He always greeted us with his loving friendly nature and big warm smile and we’ll miss him dearly. His great legacy lives on in his incredible family, and so many people whose lives he touched.
Roberta, Mike, Evan, Trevor and Christopher