Ferdinando Alati

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Ferdinando Alati

Ferdinando Alati passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday February 10, 2024 at the age of 94. He was the devoted husband of the late Renata Maria. He was the proud father of Pat, Frank, Rita (Tony) and Linda (Peter) and the cherished Nonno of Stefano (Daniella), Christina, Sebastian, Gabriel, Anthony, and Seraphina. He will be sadly missed by his brother Pasquale and by his nephews and nieces here in Canada and in Italy. Ferdinando is now reunited with the loving wife Renata Maria, his dear parents Domenico and Stella (Tuzzi), who he lost many years ago as a little boy, and his siblings Domenica, Gina, Giovanna, Francesca, and Vincenzo.

Ferdinando was born and raised in Sora, Italy and was the youngest child of the seven children. When his parents passed, he was raised and taken care by his older unmarried sister, Francesca and older brothers Vincenzo and Pasquale. Family circumstances forced Ferdinando to begin working as a young boy with his brothers. As a young man Ferdinando serenaded a beautiful auburn haired girl, Renata, living nearby, who would eventually become his wife. They were both 19 when they married on March 19, 1949, and Ferdinando shortly thereafter moved to Canada for the opportunities that were not available in Italy at the time. Renata followed 3 years later and together they worked hard to raise and provide for their young family.

Ferdinando was a passionate person who valued spending time with family and friends enjoying a glass of homemade wine and food. We fondly remember the many parties with family when the house would be filled with music which would entice Ferdinando to dance and play his accordion. Ferdinando was also passionate about his garden, especially tending to the many fruit trees in his backyard. We were always amazed at Dad’s green thumb and his creative methods of keeping the birds away from his cherished fruit trees, so the abundance of cherries, peaches, and pears had to be shared with friends and neighbors.

Once retired, both Ferdinando enjoyed traveling with his wife every winter to the warm sands of Acapulco. However, for Ferdinando taking summer trips back home to Sora and spending time with family rejuvenated him and were some of his happiest moments. They were also fortunate to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Lourdes and Fatima. While traveling was enjoyed and memorable, his grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy. Ferdinando took great pleasure in supporting his growing family with rides to and from school, with watching them play soccer or piano or with the warm, comforting arms for a sleeping baby. As the grandchildren grew more independent and his wife’s health declined, Ferdinando devoted more of his time and energy taking care of Renata. They were often seen at mass every evening walking hand-in-hand.

Ferdinando will be forever loved, always remembered. We love you.

Family and friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home 4671 Hwy 7, Woodbridge (just west of Pine Valley Dr.) on Wednesday from 2-4 and 5-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church 8500 Islington Ave., Woodbridge. Entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.