Rosario "Ross" Barone

March 23, 1942- March 12, 2026

With his loving family by his side, Rosario Barone passed away peacefully, at Marotta Family Hospital, St. Catharines, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the age of 83.

Cherished husband of Jolantha for 54 years. Loving father and father-in-law to Deanna Mastroianni (Phil), Daniella Astorino (Steve), Nadia Barone (Tim Bursey), and Rosario “BJ” Barone (Frank Nelson). He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Franco, Sofia, Gianluca, Alessandro, Aviana, Gianna, Miliana, and Milo. Survived by his brother in Italy, Giuseppe Barone (Elvira) and sister-in-law, Maria Barone, Niagara Falls. Fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews in Italy, Australia, USA, Switzerland, and Canada. Predeceased by his parents Antonio Barone and Donata Fiscarelli, sister Assunta Barone (Pietro Lucia), brother Vito Barone and nephew Anthony Barone.

Born in Circello, Benevento, Italy, Rosario immigrated to Canada in 1968, at the age of 26 with a suitcase and a dream of building a new life in Canada. He attended English classes at night so that he could work during the day delivering bread house to house for Portage Bakery. In 1971, he purchased the business in which he dedicated his life to for the last 55 years. He was a pillar of our community and was so passionate about the things that were important in his life. His hands kneaded hard work and dignity transforming water and flour into the success that everyone admires today. The bakery is not just made of walls but of his sacrifices, sleepless nights, and infinite kindness. He devoted his time and energy, feeding generations of the Niagara Region and beyond. He proudly served our loyal patrons, and he brought families together to break bread. He loved the Niagara Falls community.

He always enjoyed the company of his friends and would make time to visit with them no matter how busy he was. In his free time (when there was some) he enjoyed gardening, making homemade soppressata, wine, and napping.

Above all else, Rosario was a devoted father and grandfather who took great pride in his family. His legacy of perseverance, generosity, and dedication to those he loved will live on through the many lives he touched.

A special thank you to Dr. David Rosa, all the PSW’s, especially Christine Rodrigues who kept him on his toes, the staff at GNGH, Shaver, and Marotta Hospital’s, for all their care and compassion during his time of need. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who showed care and concern for Ross over the past few years.

The family will receive friends at Patterson Funeral Home, 6062 Main St., Niagara Falls on Wednesday, March 18th and Thursday, March 19th from 1-4 & 6-9 p.m. Vigil prayers will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 6 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann Church, 5740 Buchanan Ave. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11 a.m.. Rite of committal will follow in Fairview Mausoleum. A donation can be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, in honour of Rosario’s life. Memories, photos and condolences may be made at www.pattersonfuneralhome.com