Joseph Patrick Meschino
elevated FwLp1 September 26, 1926 – January 1, 2024
elevated FwLp1 Visitation
Thursday January 4, 2024 from 2pm to 4pm & 6pm to 8pm
elevated FwLp1 Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated FwLp1 Funeral Mass
Friday January 5, 2024 at 11am
elevated FwLp1 St. David’s Parish
2601 Major Mackenzie Drive W, Maple ON
elevated FwLp1 Entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated FwLp1 Obituary
elevated FwLp1 We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Joseph Meschino on January 1, 2024, at the age of 97. Beloved husband of 73 years to Rita (recently deceased), devoted father to MaryLynne (Robert), Joseph (Liliana), Michael (Lucy), and Lisa. Proud grandfather to Claire, Martin, Monica (Adrian), Catherine, Matthew (Cristina), Laura, Mark (Darby), and great grandfather to Haily, Katherine and James.
elevated FwLp1 “A rarity in the world today” was how a close friend described Joe. Indeed, he was honest, hard-working, a devoted husband and father sustained by his Catholic faith, always graceful- a true gentleman. “St Joseph” his wife would often call him.
elevated FwLp1 Joe was the sixth of ten children born in Toronto to Italian immigrants Pasquale and Giuseppina, one of three boys and seven girls. Raised on Clinton Street, he attended Central Technical School, with dreams of becoming an engineer in the aeronautical field (a dream later realized by his two grandsons).
elevated FwLp1 Instead, as was the custom, he joined his two brothers and their father in his growing fruit import business, Meschino Banana Company; the blue and yellow delivery trucks were familiar sights on Toronto roads. Over the years, the brothers grew the business to include grape sales during wine-making season, and two West Indian food stores, in recognition of the increasingly diverse population of the city. With the passing of his brothers and the sale of the business, Joe stayed on as manager of the company until retiring in his mid-eighties.
elevated FwLp1 The real joy of Joe’s life was his family, both the one he was born into, and the one he created with his beloved bride Rita, unquestionably the love of his life. Together, as true partners, they worked to give their four children every advantage in life. Favourite family memories of Joe include his Sunday morning post-mass piano serenades, his relentless teasing, splashing in the Gulf of Mexico on family holidays, and dancing with Rita (they cut a fine rug!).
elevated FwLp1 In recent years, despite his own considerable health issues, Joe remained at Rita’s side for every step of her long journey with Alzheimer’s to ensure she got the best possible care. When she passed, five months ago, he was holding her hand as he always did throughout their long marriage. While deeply bereaved, the family takes comfort in knowing that he can dance with his beloved once again.
elevated FwLp1 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Diabetes Canada or the Kidney Foundation of Canada
elevated FwLp1
elevated FwLp1
Rest in peace uncle Joe thank you for all you done for me. You we’re always concerned of my wellbeing love you going to miss you but never forget you always be in my heart.
What a privilege to have known Mr. Meschino! We have fond memories of him and his late wife Rita, celebrating the birthdays of his granddaughters at Lily and Joe’s house. He was a gentle man, always with something positive to say to each and every one of us. A beautiful person, with his bright blue eyes and infectious smile, who was so proud of his family. We will treasure our memories of him. Rest in peace.
Mary Battista and family
Our deepest condolences to Lily, Joe and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will remember Joe as being such a friendly and respectful man. May you cherish all the beautiful memories of him, and may you all find comfort and strength during this time of sorrow. Joe, May you Rest in Peace together with your wife in heaven. 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️ Mark and Josie Benic
I awake from the cool embrace of a winter’s night to embrace memories of a loving individual. I feel the warmth and compassion of Mr.Meschino’s presence as I reminisce through the years. I reflect on how fortunate I was to have known him.Mr.Meschino will be remembered and forever loved.
My heart goes out to your family. The memories you have of him will help you at this time. I didn’t know him personally, but knowing the two wonderful daughters he and his wife raised is a testament to the person he was. My deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Dearest Mr. Meschino,
I will forever be blessed by your kindness to me over the many years (yes, that includes the endless teasing).
You will be greatly missed but always remembered. My heart goes out to the family.
There are people in our lives that enrich us and give us the fabric that builds our character so we can handle the journey of our lives. Thank you Uncle Joe for being one of those people that gave that strength to all who knew you and especially your family. There are so many fond Christmas dinner memories that still make me laugh. May you have more joy reunited with your beloved. Rest in peace.
Such a lovely tribute to a wonderful man. His love of dance was surely passed on to his two daughters. I met him briefly last summer where he proudly watched ML’s dance performance. What a blessing to know he’ll be dancing in heaven with his one true love now. Sending my deepest condolences to the entire family. We’ll keep dancing for you, Joe. Xo
What a beautiful life full of love. While I didn’t know him personally, I always think of the stories that ML shared when I pass by that ‘retired’ blue and yellow Meschino banana truck parked nearby my house. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending condolences to the entire family and thinking of you all at this difficult time.