Alfred George Catania

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Christine and their sons Stephen (Theresa), Trevor & Preston (Tonje), his eight grandchildren Kayleigh, Caleb, Andy, Michaela, Lukas, Zachariah, Timothy & Matthew, his siblings Mary and Carmen and countless extended family and friends. All held him in the highest regard and loved him dearly.

Alfred, affectionately known as Freddie, Dad or Nannu and even Al, was born on March 9, 1940 in Mosta, Malta to Filomenu and Vincenza. He was the seventh of nine children. He lost his father at an early age and spent his formative years in a Catholic trade school orphanage while continuing to visit his family on school holidays. As a teenager, he worked in a variety of trades such as a typesetter and a welder.

In May 1963, in his early twenties, he took the brave journey to immigrate to Canada on his own, but not before falling in love with his beloved, Christine. Christine joined him after they married August 8, 1965 and they started their life together in Toronto where they raised their three sons. He dearly loved and cared for Christine, their boys and when they came along, their grandchildren, spoiling them whenever he could.

After a couple different jobs in his new home country, Freddie found his feet or in his case his wheels as he settled into an occupation at the TTC. There, “Al” earned several bus driving safety awards over his 33 plus years career.

Among many things, Alfred was known for his love of the Catholic church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and could be found creating Easter Passion and Christmas displays at church and home as well as hosting the different priests for home cooked meals. He spoke Maltese, English and could be found reading Latin as a lector at the church.

A visitation for Alfred will be held Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON L4G6W8.

Funeral Mass will occur Friday, September 1, 2023 at 11 a.m at Our Lady Of Grace RCC, 15347 Yonge St, Aurora, ON L4G1N7.

For those who cannot attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed, scroll down to "Services" on this webpage, select Join by LiveStream. or join by going to https://fweb.tv/107608 in your web browser.

Alfred will be laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 2C7.

Contributions in Alfred's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the Catania family.