November 19th 1937 – October 6th 2026
Thomas Gerald Minicola passed away peacefully at Saint Joseph’s at Fleming in his 89th year surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born in Peterborough to Victor and Evelyn Minicola (nee Hughes). He will be sadly missed by his best friend and wife of nearly 68 years, Diane Minicola (nee Peel). Proud father to Jeff (Ronda), Tony (Kim), Greg (Shelley), the late Joe (Donna), Chris (Sheryl) and Andrea (Terry Atkins). He will be sadly missed by his 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Tom was predeceased by his brothers Jim & Peter and his sisters Shirley, Yvonne, Nancy, Donna and Judy.
Tom began working at the Dominion Store on George Street in 1957 where he caught the eye of a cashier named Diane Peel. The young couple were soon married and a promotion with Dominion took them to Markham and later Trenton. After a few short years in Trenton and missing their hometown, they moved their young family back to Peterborough in 1967 where Tom ran a string of successful businesses beginning with Tom’s Quik Chek (1967-1985). Later, along with his friend, business partner and cousin - the late Joe Sabatino: Jiffy Lube (1981-2016), Charlotte Pantry (1987-2011) and Brookdale Kwik Mart (1992-present).
Tom was always strongly involved in the community. He was a member of the Peterborough Sales and Advertising club for many years, serving as president in 1977. He also served as president of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce in 1986. Tom was awarded the Business Citizen of the Year award in 2023 by the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and helped initiate their TV Bingo program. Tom was also instrumental in bringing Crime Stoppers to Peterborough.
Tom loved nothing more than spending time with family at the house on Chemong Lake. Sunday family dinners were a weekly tradition. He looked forward to family vacations boating and fishing along the Trent-Severn waterway. He taught us the value of hard work, the importance of family, community and that giving was more rewarding than receiving. He was a man who was approachable, open to new ideas, determined, hardworking and encouraging to everyone he met.
Visitation & Funeral Mass: Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter-In-Chains 411 Reid Street, Peterborough followed by a Funeral Mass from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Reception: A Celebration of Life reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall 317 Hunter St. West, Peterborough (directly across the street from the church) 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A private family burial service will take place afterward at Little Lake Cemetery
Donations can be made in Tom’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, supporting individuals and families affected by dementia. Donations can be made online at www.alzheimer.ca/pklnh or by calling 705-748-5131.
