Vittorio "Victor" Menechella

MENECHELLA, Vittorio "Victor" - Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Hospice Niagara (Walker House) on October 9 at the age of 89. Beloved and cherished husband of 62 years to Carolina "Lina" (née Girolamo). Loving and devoted father of Carmelo “Carmen” (Julia Fabiano) Menechella, Maria (Jason) Zerafa, Rico (Ashley) Menechella and predeceased by infant daughter Sandy. Cherished Nonno of Victoria (Sergio Bello), Giulia, Anthony, Matteo, Julian, Luca, Vittorio, and Roman. Victor will be lovingly remembered by his sister Phyllis DiCienzo, and his sisters-in-law Michelina Menechella, Luigina “Gina” Menechella, Vanda Vella, and brother-in-law Vittorio (Giuseppina) Girolamo. Victor is predeceased by his parents Carmelo and Mariantonia (née Cirocco) Menechella, his in-laws Rocco Luigi and Maria Donata Girolamo, brothers Giovanni Menechella, Mario (Candida) Menechella, Cosmo Menechella and his in-laws from the Girolamo family in Italy, including Raphaele (Lucia), Grazia (Pellegrino), Giuseppina (Umberto), Maria (Antonio), Arturo and Roberto (Lina). Victor will be deeply missed by his many nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy.

Victor was born in Molinara, Benevento, Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1953 at the age of 16 to join his father and brothers. He later returned to his hometown, where he met and married the love of his life, Lina, in August 1964. Together, they returned to Niagara Falls, where they built a life, raised their family and became deeply rooted in the community Victor was proud to call home. A visionary from the start, Victor began his business journey by opening the Lido Restaurant on Lundy’s Lane with his brother Cosmo. Through instinct and perseverance, he continued to build a business that includes hotels, restaurants, and The Hawk Golf Club he was so fond of, becoming a respected business leader in Niagara Falls. Despite his many accomplishments, Victor remained humble, generous, and deeply connected to his roots. He treated everyone with respect, believed in the value of his word, and was committed to giving back. A dedicated philanthropist, he quietly supported numerous organizations, causes and community initiatives throughout his life. Victor’s greatest pride was his family. A devoted husband, father, and Nonno, he cherished time spent together and offered his family unwavering love, guidance, and support. The

values he lived by—family, loyalty, hard work, generosity, and respect—will remain an enduring part of his legacy. Victor also treasured his many friendships. He enjoyed nothing more than a round of golf with his buddies, playing cards at Club Italia, sharing a good meal with lively conversation, or trying his hand at the blackjack table at Fallsview Casino. Victor lived a remarkable life, from his courageous journey to Canada as a young man to the family, businesses and community ties he built over more than seven decades. While his accomplishments were many, he will be remembered most for his humility, generosity, devotion to family and the lasting impact he had on those around him.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mario Hanna, Dr. Reem Maida, and Dr. Fathi Gadhafi. A special thank you to Analiza Abat, Victor's kind and gentle caregiver of many years, Loreto Fusarelli, whose help was invaluable during Victor’s last year of life, and to the compassionate doctors, nurses, caregivers and volunteers at Hospice Niagara in Welland, who made Victor’s final days ones of dignity and honour.

Friends are invited to join the family at the PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME. 6062 Main St., Niagara Falls, visiting Wednesday October 14, 2026 from 1 to 4 pm and 6 to 9 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 11am at St Thomas More Church with the right of committal to follow at Fairview Cemetery. Please note there will be no visitation prior to the Funeral Mass on Thursday. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Niagara. Online condolences may be made through pattersonfuneralhome.com.