Leandro Di Croce

Leandro was a beloved husband of Delma of 59 years. Cherished father to Daniela (Roberto) and Nicola (Linda) and proud Nonno to Jasmina, Angela and Antonio.

In Italy, Leandro was predeceased by his beloved parents Nicola and Giacinta, his brothers Aurelio, Annunziato and Giuseppe. Leandro will be sorely missed by his siblings, Cettina, Lidia, and Gabriele as well as extended family members in Italy and friends in Toronto.

Leandro Di Croce was born in Atessa, Chieti, Italy. He was born into a loving large family. He excelled in school and went on to work in masonry. He proudly came to Canada arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax in the late 1950’s. He found work and adventure with Canadian National Railways. His days with CNR took him from Port Arthur, Ontario to La Pas and Dauphin, Manitoba. During this time, he was an avid photographer documenting work and life on the railway. Leandro subsequently returned to Italy on numerous occasions before returning and finally settling in Toronto with his wife and daughter. The family settled in mid-Toronto and soon expanded with the birth of his son.

A proud longtime employee of the TTC, he was involved with laying the subway tracks for the Bloor-Danforth line at the Bloor St. viaduct. Subsequently, he continued working for the TTC at the Toronto Bus Terminal, Wilson and Arrow Road Divisions.

Leandro had a strong work ethic on the job and at home ensuring that his family had a lovely home. He truly enjoyed his wife’s excellent Italian cuisine, especially traditional Abruzzese meals. He was proud of his children’s accomplishments and now his grandchildren’s accomplishments. He encouraged culture and knowledge. He was never without a copy of the Corriere Canadese and enjoyed reading poetry. He could still recite poems he had memorised from elementary school. Each spring, Leandro became an avid gardener who nurtured all his seedlings which he later planted in his backyard garden. In autumn, he helped his wife harvest and jar the tomatoes from his garden and only then did he turn his attention to wine making. Over the winter, he also took great care of his fig and olive trees and oleander plants in his greenhouse. Leandro was a music lover of opera, Italian music and in particular Abruzzese folk songs and diligently listened to a radio programme “Ecco d’Abruzzo”. He constantly hummed away as he worked on any project. A great fan of Italian soccer, one would always find the tv tuned to a match at his home. He also became a loyal Maple Leafs fan. Over the years, he and his family travelled often to his beloved Italy. In his retirement years, Leandro and Delma were able to reconnect with family and rest near the sea.

Leandro will be remembered as a welcoming person and a gentle soul who was a loving and devoted husband, father, and Nonno. Forever in our hearts.