Julio Paolini
elevated IcI1p May 9, 1943 ~ September 1, 2023
elevated IcI1p Visitation
Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated IcI1p Funeral Mass
Monday, September 11, 2023 at St. Cecilia Church at 11:00 a.m.
161 Annette St, Toronto
elevated IcI1p Obituary
elevated IcI1p It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Julio Gregory Paolini. He was a loving father, brother, uncle, and friend. He left this world unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his home on September 1st, 2023 at the age of 80.
elevated IcI1p Julio was born on May 9th, 1943 to the late Vincenzo and Marguerite Paolini in Timmins, Ontario, the fourth of eight children. The family relocated to Toronto in 1954, finally settling in a house on Indian Road Crescent. He attended St. Cecilia’s Catholic Elementary School, Western Technical High School, and Humberside Collegiate. In his teens and young adult years, Julio discovered a love for sports. He played many sports, including baseball, hockey, and football. He was especially good at football, occupying positions of Fullback for High Park Invictus and Defensive Tackle for the Etobicoke Rough Riders, receiving Defensive Player of the Year in 1968.
elevated IcI1p In 1979, Julio married his late wife, the love of his life, Debra Mae Ross. Although their lives together were cut short, the years they did spend together were filled with happiness and love. He made it a point to never take off his wedding ring. Together, they had two children, Natasha and Julio Jr.
elevated IcI1p Julio had a strong work ethic, earning a living as a tile setter, a trade he learned while working alongside his father, and eventually owning his own home renovation contracting business. He possessed a deep knowledge of construction methods and building materials; you could point out just about any building constructed in Toronto in the past century and he could give a detailed analysis of, say, the bricklaying methods used. Throughout the early 80s, he worked at a famous nightclub called Rooney’s as the Night Manager alongside his siblings David, Cedric, and Cynthia. On a nightly basis, he was surrounded by celebrities, athletes and other A-listers. Julio gathered a trove of colourful tales from his years there and, in later years, his children, nieces and nephews would ask him to regale them with his favourite stories.
elevated IcI1p Julio lived a humble but accomplished and full life. Living his life for others, he cherished his family and spoke about them with such pride. That pride also extended to his nieces, nephews, and his friends’ children. Julio and his wife loved to entertain, with their North York home being the location of many holiday and birthday parties.
elevated IcI1p Julio never acted his age, in the best way possible. He was known for his youthful spirit (inherited from his beloved mother), his sly and silly wit, and his generosity. Although he had a tough exterior, he was light-hearted down to the core and always had a joke at the ready. Julio had a special place in his heart for children. He coached softball and hockey at Goulding Park for several years, always ready and willing to share his experience and knowledge to the younger generation. Many people said Julio would have made an excellent teacher because he was a great conversationalist and well-versed in the world’s major historical events. He was a history buff, always soaking up information on the past and, in recent years, he began reading books on each of the Prime Ministers of Canada. Julio read the newspaper from front to back everyday and could usually be found at his kitchen table doing the crossword puzzle, with a Tim Hortons coffee. He enjoyed playing games and could effortlessly win a game of Scrabble because he possessed an extensive vocabulary. In the past few years, he was on a journey to connect with his past, contacting friends from Timmins, almost like he was tying a bow on his beautiful life.
elevated IcI1p Julio will be greatly missed by so many people. He amassed a large group of friends, many whom he still kept in touch with until he passed. He was loyal until the very end. He was the grounding force of his family and a constant in so many lives. Julio was consistently relied upon for advice and support from his children, siblings, nieces and nephews. He would gladly lend an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on.
elevated IcI1p Julio is survived by his children, Natasha and Julio Jr., his siblings Cynthia, Betty, David, Cedric and Richard, and adoring nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Debra, sister Joan, brother Sonny, niece Debbie, and parents Vincenzo and Marguerite.
elevated IcI1p A visitation will be held from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Sunday, September 10th at Holy Cross Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11 AM on Monday, September 11th at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church. If you would like to make any donations in his honour, please direct them to Sick Kids Hospital.
What a very honoring 🎖 tribute for an amazing man.
AN AMAZING Man
My Uncle Julio You played such a strong part throughout my growing up years. You had such a strong presence, Funny: You would always come out with things that would make me laugh or would make me die of embarrassment, you always went for the shock value, and got me every time. You had an amazing work ethics. Always worked extremely hard, and you sure have cared so much for your family. In my younger years things were ruff with my dad. But you seemed to always be there helping me and my family. Father number two (so loving).
I am beyond grateful for you being apart of life my life for so many years.
There is never a good time to say good bye. So I’ll will wait for when we see each again and say hello. Uncle Julio
I will miss your presence in my life.
But I know who you’re with and were you are. Blessings as you reunite with those who have gone before you.
You can’t come back, but we will come to you some day, it will be a great reunion 💕🌄🙏🕯
Love you Uncle Julio
Julio was a real character. I will never forget his razor sharp wit, his joy of sports and words of wisdom. He would often drop by our home on his way home from work just to chat. He really cared about the kids he coached. Julio has been a dear friend for many years and I’m glad we stayed in touch when I moved to Collingwood. My deepest sympathies to Natasha, Julio Jr and family.
A beautiful tribute to a life well lived.
Sincere condolences to the family. God bless you and keep you strong
“Please accept our deepest condolences and know that God loves your and can restore your spirits, give you peace, and strengthen you.”
Natasha and Julio Jr. Your dad was the most amazing dad. He helped out at Goulding with my husband David coaching hockey and baseball. Always a positive inspiration to the children. Please know my thoughts are with you at this sad time. My sincere condolences.
Joyce Bellamy, Bryan and Lauren
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of a kind man with a big heart. I will always cherish the memories of my childhood and will be forever grateful to a family that always had their doors open and made everyone feel like part of the family.
My heartfelt condolences to the the Paolini family.
Sincere condolences to the Paolini family. Ani and I met Julio when our children played sports together at Goulding Park.
Deepest condolences to Nat and Julio Jr, to Cynthia and siblings, to family and friends. Ivan and I are grateful for cherished moments with Julio in his home. He…so proud of his two children, and blessed to have Cynthia there to help out. We will miss you Julio. Much love and blessings for the family
My wife and I were fortunate enough to know Julio in the 60’s with the Etobicoke Roughriders football club. Julio was always fun to be around and not so much fun when he tackled you. Great guy. I know I speak for the whole team when I say we lost a really nice person and good friend.
Thank You Julio.
In our life
In our time together
You were the very definition of a BROTHER, a FRIEND and a MENTOR.
Thank You for always being there for me BUT really for the WHOLE of our FAMILY
You were always the intelligent responsible and caring person that you are.
There are many many tales and experiences we shared throughout our time that made life richer and fuller
And
If a difficulty were to arise.
You would always be there with a practical and physical solution.
Thank You Julio
Your Brother Dave
Great appreciation for his dedication to Goulding Park Softball and Hockey. His memory will live on in all the children he coached. Condolences from Goulding.
I was very saddened and shocked by the untimely death of my dear brother Julio
We’ve always been each other’s support during the ups and downs of life.
You were a loving husband, father, son, brother and a truly loyal friend to all you knew.
I’ll miss you forever !
Who will I call when the Blue Jays are losing.
Rest my dearest brother and let your angels surround you with peace and love ❤️
So sorry to hear of the passing of Julio We worked together for over 25 years,.Great guy .I last saw him at Markham Stoufville Hospital he was failing but still upbeat asking about everybody else.Rest in peace my friend
Our deepest condolences to Natasha, Julio Jr. on the passing of Dad. Also to all his siblings and the rest of the family. Our thoughts and prayers as you mourn. Be strong, RIP Julio Sr.
Philip and Lynette Conyers
(Friend and Collogue)
I still can not believe my big brother is gone. He was never sick in his life as he lived by the “Maxim” No Matter How Many Times You Get Knocked Down, You Always Got Up”. This time he could not. The memories I have about Julio I will cherish forever. He taught me a lot, and he never let me down. As a little kid, I was constantly being bullied almost daily. His advice to me was go right back and beat the heck out of this kid and do not quit until he cries for his mother. I did it and I won. As time went on, Julio was helping me improve as a young hockey player, by doing some of his conditioning exercises. Such as, running around our block in August. His personal wind training consisted of methods way ahead of 1967 standards. Such as having our shoemaker make him these leather pouches which he could strap around his ankles and capable of carrying lead weights. Once done he would go to High Park with one of his team mates and run up and down some hills. He never had the same training partner twice, Ha Ha. But those years he was recognized as the Outstanding Defensive Football Player of the League.
Growing up in the Junction I came to realize Julio was well known and respected. Being his kid brother bought me a lot of passes for which I was grateful. I could go into any Pool Room and older guys I didn’t know would ask me how Julio was and to say hello. His reputation was wide spread.
Julio was a humble and honest man, who let his actions speak for him
May God Bless You Julio and I am sure he has Already.
Love your Kid Brother Cedric, Sister-in-law Christine, Niece Carla and nephew Vincent.
Julio Paolini – a genuine, respectful, and all ’round great guy.
I first met Julio on the football field in the mid 60’s, and am happy and proud to have known him as a true friend since then.
Julio, was the same guy who travelled by car to the wilds of NB for my wedding to Janet, in the winter of 1970.
He was a constant, true friend all these years, and I will truly miss him.
Sincerely,
Mike
Natasha and Julio Jr.
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Dad. Many memories of him at Goulding. Always helpful, caring, great to be around. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. He will be lovingly remembered.
Ann, Frank, Bradley, and Kevin Ward
Sorry to hear of the passing of Julio ,great guy we worked together over 25 years .I last saw him at Markham Stoufville hospital ,he was failing but still upbeat and curious about others may he rest in peace
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Julio. Uncle Julio was part of my family well before I was even born. He and my father grew up together playing sports and going to the same schools. They lived on the same street for many years. They married sisters and became brothers in law; family by marriage. I have wonderful memories of Uncle Julio attending at my younger brother’s sporting events (hockey, baseball – house league and then onto Rep, and 5 pin bowling and then 10 pin bowling). He joked that he would never play against my brother in bowling because that is one sport he just might lose at. I also have nice memories of family get togethers. I particularly recall a conversation we had when I was in high school and deciding what I wanted to do for a career. His advice to me was to go to post secondary education and work hard towards a career, not a job. He explained that I needed to find something that I would love to do because I would likely spend more time at work than at home. I did just that. Here I am 30 years after graduating from post secondary school doing a career that I worked hard to achieve and have done since two weeks after graduating college. His advice was spot on. Thank you Uncle Julio. I hope that you rest in peace and know that you will be missed.