Ignazio Belmonte

Our beloved father peacefully passed away in his 93rd year at Etobicoke General Hospital of causes related to heart and lung disease. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Gina Belmonte and his children Connie, Umilo (Sandi), Frank (Kathy), Carm (Ferid), and Anita and his seven grandchildren, Melissa, Melanie, Nadia, Sofia, Adam, Gabriel and Michael.

Ignazio was born in Lattarico, Cosenza, Italy, and was the third oldest of 16 children. School was not an option for Ignazio, however his strong work ethic and dedication allowed him to build a life for his family. At 38 years-old he and his wife made the courageous decision to start a new life in Canada together with their 3 children at the time. The long journey on the S.S. Olympia in 1964 was not easy but it marked the beginning of more possibilities for his family. Shortly after their arrival they had their fourth child and eight years later, their youngest.

Those who knew Ignazio, will remember him as an unassuming quiet man who was highly resourceful and creative in so many ways. Ignazio was a decent, honest and proud man who wanted to live life to its fullest. Our dad, almost to the very end of his life, loved to ride his bike in his neighborhood and was happiest tending to his garden and sharing the results of his hard work with family and friends. We will forever be grateful for the sacrifices that he made for us all. Papa, we will always love you; may you rest in peace.