Domenico Bucci

Passed peacefully in his 95th year, after a prolonged hospitalisation. Treasured husband of Margherita (Notte) Bucci for almost 63 years; committed father of Elizabeth (Campbell Bryson), and doting and adoring Nonno to Landon. Eldest child of Donato Bucci; beloved by and equally loving of his mother, Elisabetta (Imposimato) Bucci; predeceased by his brothers in Italy - Carmine, Franco (Concettina) and the cherished young Dino; predeceased by his dearly-loved brothers, Bruno and Michele (Giuseppina); also predeceased by his Notte siblings-in-law, Maria (Liberato), Nicola (Onorina), Antonio, Rosina (Domenico) and Italia (Antonio): survived by his sister Ada and his brother Clementino (Joanne); also survived by his Notte siblings-in-law, Carmelino (Carmela) and Gemma; and by many nieces and nephews, of whom he was inordinately proud.

Margherita first met Domenico when he was giving dancing lessons at the church in Sessano del Molise, the town in Italy where they both lived. As a teen, Margherita was smitten with the older, handsome Domenico. While the potential for a romantic match certainly decreased when Domenico moved to Canada in 1952, the two would fortuitously reconnect in Toronto in 1959 and wed shortly thereafter. From that moment forward, Margherita remained steadfastly loving, devoted and caring to Domenico. That love was reciprocated for more than six decades.

Domenico also had limitless love and generosity with respect to his family: he sponsored and supported all his younger brothers who chose to immigrate to Canada after him. Domenico and Margherita’s house, for several decades, was a hub of joyful family activity for both the Bucci and Notte families.

Landon, Domenico’s grandson and the greatest joy and pride of his life, frequently said as a youngster, “My Nonno can fix anything!”. And he was right: his Nonno actually could! Domenico was a problem-solver with a multitude of skills, largely self-learned: he was a tireless worker who repaired cranes and other heavy-duty machinery as easily as he perfected the timing on elite sports cars.

Domenico loved being outdoors and was a superb gardener who could grow a thriving and exquisite rose from a cutting received from a neighbour, and who designed and built ingenious (and occasionally bizarre) garden devices to deal with pesky animals that dared to taste-test his prized tomatoes.

He adored older furniture and genuinely appreciated quality workmanship. Finding a discarded quarter-sawn oak card filing cabinet or a neglected walnut dresser with layers of paint brought out the best in Domenico, who would then cheerfully spend countless hours stripping, repairing and refinishing his valued finds – often to the great benefit of Elizabeth and Campbell.

Thankfully, Domenico lived a healthy and healthful lifestyle for the vast majority of his long life: it was only when he broke his hip (when he was in his 80s) that he spent his first night in a hospital! Even then, he amazed the doctors with his muscle tone, indestructible will and strength. When asked to take a single step with his new hip, Domenico stunned patients and doctors alike when he walked promptly out of the room.

On June 14, his body decided it had performed enough extraordinary feats for close to a century and it was finally time for Domenico to have a well-deserved rest. He had a full life truly well lived…

In accordance with Domenico’s specific wishes, there will be no visitation - only a private service for immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations in Domenico’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family through the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home website at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca