7 Messages

1. Carla Santino on January 15, 2025 at 5:52 pm

   Blessed to have had the coolest Uncle!! Always at the party and always willing to help. I’ll never forget the donuts he would make with his car in Richmond Heights Plaza on a Sunday with all the us nieces in the car laughing (no seatbelts back in the day)!!! And then he’d take us to Jand J variety store for candy. I will miss you “ Skirty”!

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   • Sandra on January 16, 2025 at 2:01 pm

     Great happy memories of days gone by!

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2. Marcello D’Agostino and Family on January 15, 2025 at 10:21 pm

   It is with sadness but many happy memories that I reflect on the passing of “Lu primo cugino” Giuseppe D’Agostino. Giuseppe (Peppino) came to Canada in 1955. He came with my father as they left their families, their culture, their home to go to Naples to board a transatlantic trip that took a few weeks and landed in Halifax. (Pier 21) It was a foreign land, they did not know the language or culture, they had very little money and their only possessions were in a small suitcase (mostly containing a few undergarments, some toiletries and maybe a clean shirt) There they took a train to Toronto where they had a flat waiting for them, arranged by my uncle Nicola who was already living here. They lived in a flat on the second floor of a small, modest home in the Oakwood and Vaughan Rd, area. I was told they shared the flat with 4 other men and they paid rent and board to an Italian family who lived on the first floor. They both worked in construction because that was the only work they could find. My father quickly left that treacherous trade and found work in his profession (tailoring) but Peppino continued in construction and became a skilled bricklayer. He proved to be hard working, skilled and tenacious. He became a foreman with his crew and later went on to start a company with his brothers (Nicola, Armando and Ludovico) Parente Construction (as the company was called.) went on to become one of the largest and most prolific bricklaying companies in Ontario. They constructed many plazas, industrial malls north of Eglington to Steeles and even worked in Northern Ontario. Peppino continued to be their main foreman and was in charge of countless bricklayers and manual workers on the job sites. He was not an office man (Nicola took care of that) but he was the man on the ground, the worker, the doer. Peppino had a zest for life. He was a model for what it meant to be a D’Agostino He was genuine, (not phoney), honest (to a fault, told it like it was) a hard worker, never a complainer, always the first to help others, a singer and the life of the party. Who can not forget his rendition of “Mexico” which he gladly sang at every get together, wedding and family picnic). He was a drinker and an eater. Maria (his wife) told us stories that he would wake up every morning and had a glass of wine and an anchovy or salami sandwich at 5:00 in the morning before he left for work. Peppino was a family man, a good and loyal husband and a wonderful father and grandfather. He truly set the example for all of us junior cousins. He was a hard act to follow. A class act, a wonderful human being. All of us looked up to him with admiration for his industriousness, his undying spirit and unwavering family values. He is part of our heritage He and many others like him formulated our heritage and forged a path and set an example for all of the cousins to follow. He embodied the D’Agostino spirit. He sacrificed so others could benefit. God bless you “primo cugino” and thank you for teaching us what it means to be a D’Agostino. May you live in eternal peace with your loving wife in God’s kingdom. I’m sure He has a full glass waiting for you Salute.

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   • Virginia Mazzone Ahou on January 17, 2025 at 6:17 am

     This was very beautifully written. Thank you Marcello.
     My mom (his sister, Carolina Mazzone) will miss him very much as they had an amazing bond as siblings. As his niece, I can truly say he was a great uncle and will never be forgotten. He is now reunited with Zia Maria and may he rest in peace. Love you always, The Mazzone Family

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3. The Filntissis Family on January 16, 2025 at 1:23 pm

   We all loved Joe! We are saddened for his loss, but take comfort that he is now at peace and reunited with his beloved angel Marie.
   We hold many memories and will definitely keep his humour at heart.
   May you always remember him fondly and his memory be eternal. Rest in peace Joe. You will be missed.

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4. Sandra on January 16, 2025 at 2:16 pm

   We had the advantage of living across the street from Zio Joe. He was an amazing uncle and he left me with so many poignant memories because we saw him so often. He was spirited and funny. He made friends easily and was so truthful that sometimes he may of pissed them off but he was himself. I still meet people from the neighbourhood and they ask me about Joe. He was one of a kind. I watched him for hours as he lay bricks like an art all with a cigarette in hand. He made whole fireplace in one day. Zio Joe would always have hot peppers at every wedding in his pocket to share with all. I danced the twist with him at my wedding. A memory I cherish. He loved eating, drinking, smoking, dancing, singing and loving. I have yet to meet anyone that lived life to the fullest as he did. When you think of him a smile comes over your face. Heaven is a lot more fun because he is there now. I will miss you ‘ skirty’ and will remember you always!!

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5. Luciano D’Agosrino on January 16, 2025 at 2:50 pm

   God bless and reunite you with your beautiful wife Maria. Our sincerest condolences 💐 and prayers you are in peace with your glass of wine 🍷 Cheers to you primo cugino. Love Luciano, Debra, Amanda, Anthony D’AGOSTINO

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