Donato Troilo

https://youtu.be/W4S0sBbKcWw

It is with great sorrow that the family of Donato Troilo, announce his passing on May 16, 2021.

Donato was born June 18, 1933 in Gessopalena Italy, to Domenico Troilo, and Vittoria Cavaliere.

Donato is survived by, his siblings, Fiorino (Sharon), Natale, Elisa; his children, Greg (Lisa), Michele (Carole), Anita, Della (Charlie), and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by his wife, Theresa; his parents, Domenico and Vittoria; his siblings, Francesco, Maria, Carmela, Felice, Anna, Francesco, and family members, Nicola, Leon, Gina, Mike, and Denise.

With his nine siblings, it was clear that Donato was going to be the family entertainer and comedian. He never failed to make people laugh, smile, and make their days just a little bit brighter.

A hard worker from early on, Don worked the family farm with his siblings, tending to the gardens and the animals, while at the same time working at a construction job, crushing rocks. When Don was 17, he decided to pursue the trade of becoming a barber. He practiced this trade in the evenings and weekends while he continued his day jobs.

In 1957, at age 23, Donato, speaking only Italian, left Italy on his own, coming to Canada and settling in Kenora. He first worked for CPR railway on the rail construction teams, while continuing cutting his co-workers hair, making some extra money after the long, hard, workdays.

He soon sponsored his brothers, Fiorino and Natale to Canada, where the “Three Musketeers” worked together in the bush, cutting and hauling wood for Trilake Timber, as well as numerous other bush operations. The closeness of the brothers was evident to all as the three families lived together, and continued their family tradition of making wine and pasta.

Donato continued his passion for the outdoors, hunting and fishing; and, with his brothers, and friends, had many memorable adventures over the years.

Donato worked at the Keewatin Flour Mill for several years, then, with his wife Karen, and son Greg, they moved to Boot Lake Bush Camp 252, where with his brothers and their families, worked as bush cutters.

Moving back into Kenora, Don and Karen, purchased their first home in Keewatin, while Don continued to work as a cutter, traveling back and forth on the weekends from the bush camps.

In 1982, Don married Theresa, where they spent many wonderful years, with family, gardening, travelling, hunting and fishing. Donato continued the tradition of making wine, with friends & family, it was hard work, but everyone enjoyed a laugh, and a glass or two of last year’s wine, while making the new batch. Always welcoming company, Don looked forward to sharing a glass of his homemade wine, while Theresa served pasta and sauce from the recipe that Don had brought with him from his mother in Italy.

In 2015, Donato moved into Birchwood, then to Pinecrest nursing home. At Pinecrest, Donato’s outgoing and charming personality, quickly made him Pinecrest’s “Happy Ambassador”, making staff and residents alike, smile and laugh. He always enjoyed visiting, getting to know everyone and attending bingo, happy hour, and spending time in the gardens while enjoying a glass of wine.

Donato was very fortunate to become friends with Lacey, Lori, and their families. To Don, they were much more than friends, they were a part of his family, where they held a special place in his heart. He had many successful fishing trips with Lacey, Lori, Dave, and family. Donato was always happy when they did not have to go to Safeway for the fish, and enjoyed family fish fry’s together.

Don vacationed to Thunder Bay three times a year to spend time with Greg, Brayden, and Lisa, walking the property, and visiting the neighbors.

To Donato, spending time with family and friends, attending weddings, and Christmas gathering, was always important, and he never missed any opportunity to take part of these special times. One of his favourites was having fish and chips at the 901 Westside family table, sharing stories and making new friends.

His life was full, healthy, and happy, and no doubt, Donato is sitting in heaven with Theresa, holding her hand, while sharing a glass of his homemade wine.

Ci mancherà moltissimo, ma non sarà mai dimenticato.

He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

The family would like to thank all the caring staff at Pinecrest, Dr. Wiebe, NP Mike Limerick, Northern Hearing, and Dr. Little for their dedication and care for Donato.

A Traditional Viewing will be held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on June 4, 2021 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Please call the Funeral Home at 807-468-8633 to schedule an assigned time.

A Funeral Service will take place at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Attendance is by invitation, please call the Funeral home at 807-468-8633 to attend. Burial to follow service at Lake of the Woods Cemetery. Father Allen Abadines to officiate Service.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.