Gino De Zotti

He was a loving husband to his wife, Vittoria, with whom he shared nearly 69 years of marriage, building a life full of memories, laughter and companionship .

He was a proud father to his beloved daughters Margrett (John) and Mary (Joe) and a devoted father to his late son Frank, whose passing seven years ago brought him immense sorrow. Gino cherished his memory every day and carried his love for Frank in his heart. His family was his greatest source of pride, including his wonderful grandchildren Adam (Rita), Kyle (Terra), Alicia (Peter), and Melissa (Ryan), and his adored great-grandchildren Ryan, Connor, Alissa, Julia, Luca, and Emilia.

He is also survived by his loving sisters, Enrica and Lucia. He was predeceased by his brothers, Bruno and Luciano, whose loss he mourned deeply.

Gino was born on August 7, 1930, in Cuzzuolo, Vittorio Veneto, Italy. He had already completed his Military Alpino training in the 3rd Mountain Artillery Regiment in the Julia Pio Spaccamela barracks in Udine and was now ready for his next adventure. At the age of 23, he made the difficult and courageous decision to leave behind his family, hometown, and new girlfriend (Vittoria) in a pursuit of a better life and greater opportunities abroad. On March 30, 1954, he boarded the ship “Vulcania” bound for Canada where he had accepted a job with CN Railway in Quebec. He later transferred to Toronto, where he began his career in carpentry, joining the Carpenters Union Local 27 and eventually retiring with great pride in his profession. Through many sacrifices and sheer perseverance, Gino and Vittoria built a stable and fulfilling life for their family.

Gino’s family was at the heart of everything he did and he was always so proud to share his love and admiration for them. Whether at dances, festivals or family gatherings, he never missed an opportunity to celebrate his loved ones. He was overjoyed when his grandchildren began attending the Alpino dances in his later years as it meant the world to him to see them embrace the traditions he held so dear.

He was a passionate dancer, a devoted choir member, and a proud Alpino . He was a man who embraced life wholeheartedly, and was known for his larger-than-life personality, endless stories, and sharp sense of humour. He had a story for every occasion, and he never met a stranger—only new friends to share his tales with. He made himself known everywhere he went, always leaving a lasting impression with his boisterous laughter, joyful energy and quick wit.

His backyard was his sanctuary, and his garden that he tended to with love—especially his cherished fig tree—was a source of endless pride. His infamous hut, his personal shrine nestled in the backyard was a special place where Gino hosted friends and family sharing a glass of wine; a place where the walls were pasted with pictures of his life with friends and family. He believed it was a waste to keep them in albums where no one would see them, so instead he displayed them proudly ensuring that every visitor could share in his memories,“Something to talk about," he would say.

His presence, laughter, humour and unwavering love will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Rest in peace, beloved husband, Dad and Nonno. We will miss you more than any words can express.

Your love, laughter, and legacy will remain with us always.