Giuseppe Marrelli

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Giuseppe Marrelli, who left us on January 12, 2025, at the age of 92, With his cherished wife, Violanda and daughter, Rosa by his bedside, Witnessing his very last breath.

Born in Paternopoli, Avellino, Italy, on July 27, 1932, Giuseppe lived a life full of love, passion, and dedication to his family and community. They came to Canada on the sister ship of the Titanic, called the TSS Olympia, travelling through the rough waters of the Atlantic ocean, his family remembers at such a young age, how sea sick he was from the travel, they landed at Pier 21 in Halifax. Once he settled to Toronto, Giuseppe found a job opportunity with construction. His commitment to his growing family did not go unnoticed. He woke up at 5am every morning to go to work. He placed the floors for most high-rises, he was patient and determined to get the job done thoroughly. Once, he was on the 12th floor, paving cement and the scaffold came off- him and his best friend were dangling with a safety harness, rescued by the fire department, brought to the safety. This motivated him to find a more safe stable job with the City of Toronto, working in Asphalt, paving the Toronto Roads, in Downtown Toronto, were he spent most of his working career. He was a strong, wise, affectionate, and great worker. His famous catch phrase for work performance was: "There's 3 speeds; SLOW, STOP, and Drink Cappuccino."

Always known for driving in style, he owns a 1977 Chevrolet Malibu- that was banana yellow in colour, to this day, still fits in the garage. He still has a parking ticket on the dash that a police officer wrote to him "No. 1"

Giuseppe was a man of many passions. He found great joy in his garden, where he spent countless hours tending to plants with a meticulous hand and a deep love for nature. His love of life extended to the pool, where he enjoyed aqua fitness, always eager to stay active and engaged. Traveling with his family was another great source of happiness for Giuseppe, as he cherished the memories made during these adventures, whether near or far. He was a devoted member of his parish, never missing a Sunday mass - he was an usher and would help carry statues during processions. Every summer he would do the Teopoli Pilgrimage and went to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in New York once a year. A lover of chocolate, Giuseppe was known for his fondness for a sweet treat, which always brought a smile to his face.

Giuseppe was also a skilled winemaker, taking immense pride in crafting wines that brought people together and reflected his generous and nurturing spirit. He also loved making homemade tomato sauce. However, his greatest passion was his unwavering love for his family.

Known for his famous line “Numero Uno” as well, love for singing. Doesn’t matter the place or time, if there was a microphone, Giuseppe was the first person to sing his heart out.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 68 years, Violanda (nee D'Ambrosio), and their daughters Maria (Guido), Giovannina (Trevi), and Rosa. He was the cherished grandfather of Katia (Pasquale), Miriam (Emmanuel), Michelle, and Iolanda, and a proud great-grandfather to Maurizo Guido, Davide, and Chiara. He is also remembered with affection by his brother-in-law, Attilio (late Colomba), his sister-in-law's, Angelina (late Ciriaco), Mafalda (late Batista) and many nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy as well extended family members and friends.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the PSWs, Lily Beth, Maria, and Evelyn, for their compassionate care and dedication to Giuseppe during his final years. Their kindness brought comfort to both him and his loved ones, for which the family is truly grateful.

A very special thank you to Dr. Paul Freedman who was his primary doctor for 50 years. As well, Dr. Nathan Perlis, who was his oncologist in his later years.

Giuseppe’s warmth, wisdom, and love will be forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will continue to inspire all who loved him, and his spirit will live on in the gardens, the wines, the chocolate, and most importantly, in the hearts of his family. His daughter Rosa, will cherish the time she spent caring for her father when he needed her most. Always at his side, putting his health before her own.

If desired, donations can be made to Prostate Cancer or Princess Margaret Hospital

Visitation will take place on Thursday January 16 from 7-9pm at the Jerrett Funeral Home – St. Clair Chapel, 1141 St. Clair Ave. W. Toronto.

Funeral Mass on Friday January 17 at 11am at St. Nicolas of Bari Church, 1277 St. Clair Ave. W. Toronto

Entombment to follow at Prospect Cemetery, 1450 St. Clair Ave. W. Toronto.