elevated 5I0aa June 25, 1931 ~ September 4, 2024

elevated 5I0aa Visitation
Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 pm

elevated 5I0aa Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6

elevated 5I0aa Funeral Mass
Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:30 am                                   

elevated 5I0aa Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home

elevated 5I0aa Click here to view the mass,

elevated 5I0aa Entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
Holy Family Mausoleum

elevated 5I0aa Obituary
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Zefferino (Jeff) Veltri. Born on June 25, 1931, in Belmonte, Calabria, Italy, Zefferino passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on September 4, 2024. He is reunited with his beloved wife Maria, parents Giovanna and Santo, and siblings Maria, Vincenzo, Ultimino, Norina and Iolanda. Zefferino was a devoted father to Santo (Carolyn) and Frank (Connie), an adored Nonno Jeff to Michael (Alyssa), Anthony, Lucas (Megan), Alexandra, Leonidas, and Andreas, and a beloved Zio Jeff to his many nieces and nephews.

elevated 5I0aa Zefferino came to Canada in the early 1950s, like many of his fellow Italians, to make a better life. Working hard in construction to provide for his family, he suffered a tragic accident leading to an amputation of his right arm below the elbow. But as was his nature, he overcame this challenge to continue to pursue his life goals. Shortly afterward, he married his childhood sweetheart, Maria, and started his family. He began working with the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board, and over the course of his 30+ year career, helped thousands of others who also experienced workplace injuries.

elevated 5I0aa Zefferino, worked hard throughout his life, but also made sure to spend quality time with his wife and two sons, and later, with his grandchildren. We remember fondly that the seasons were defined by the artisanal Italian traditions that he was an expert at and always made time for and instilled into his family. Spring and Summer were occupied by gardening season, Fall by winemaking and tomato sauce, and Winter by homemade Italian salami, prosciutto and capicola. Visiting Jeff’s home and spending time with him was not complete without a glass of wine (or three), fresh vegetables from his garden,  and an abundance of his delicious salami. Saying no was not an option.

elevated 5I0aa Jeff was beloved by all who knew him – extended family, friends, work colleagues, even casual acquaintances  – he left a lasting impression with them all, but none more so than with his sons and grandchildren. He lived life his own way – loving, strong, resolute, and with the authenticity and courage to stay true to his dreams and his heart, and he showed that all is possible no matter what life throws at you.

elevated 5I0aa Zefferino will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered in the hearts of his immediate family, and of his many extended family and friends as well as all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.

elevated 5I0aa We want to express our gratitude to the medical team at Sunnybrook for all their efforts and care provided to him in his final days.

elevated 5I0aa A special thank you and appreciation to his caregiver, Geraldine, who took wonderful care of him all these many years, and especially in his last days.

elevated 5I0aa In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Foundations for Sunnybrook Hospital or The Hospital for Sick Children.