Joao Amaral

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Joao Amaral

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our father Joao Amaral, on November 3, 2023 in his 88th year. He was born in Lomba do Carro, Azores to Joao and Francelina DeMelo Amaral with whom he is now re-united. One of five children, brothers Virginio & Gil (predeceased), and his sisters Maria Rosa and Fatima.

Joao was a devoted husband of the late Virginia. Proud father of Walter (Danya), John (Pamela), Elizabeth (Paul), Diana (David) and Danny (Michelle) and Danny’s former partner Breanna. Cherished Papa of Tyler, Julia, Lucas, Ashley, Laci, Kaitlyn, Mikaela, Adrian, Owen, Jacob, Max, Hailey and Isabelle.

Joao is together again with the love of his life Virginia. Joao and Virginia met by chance while she worked at Joao’s Godfather's home. They married and started a family in their homeland of Portugal in the islands of the Azores. Together they uprooted their family to move to Canada where job prospects were a little more plentiful. He worked hard to provide for his family as a roofer.

Joao was a family man who loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. Joao was the life of party, always smiling and looking to make people laugh. Family gatherings were often enjoyed with great food and his homemade red wine. Many weekends were spent at his sisters home playing cards and watching his Toronto Maple Leafs.

Spending time at the cottage boating, seadooing, fishing and enjoying a few (or a lot) glasses of red wine while barbequing his famous chicken wings were the highlight of the summer.

One of Joao's many passions was music, he self taught himself how to play various instruments such as guitar, accordion and piano. He never hesitated to dance or sing along with the people he loved.

Joao was no stranger in his neighborhood, he loved sitting on his veranda greeting all his neighbors young and old. He was often gifted everything from kid's crafts to freshly baked breads and treats. Joao had a green thumb, growing vegetables and flowers. His flower garden was the envy of the neighborhood.

Despite the pain Joao came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. On his final days, he was surrounded by his family, who adored him more than anything else in the world.

Querido pai e avô para sempre em nossos corações.


Family and friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home 4671 Hwy 7, Woodbridge (just west of Pine Valley Dr.) on Friday from 2-4, 6-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday November 11, 2023 at 9:30am at Immaculate Conception Church, 300 Ansley Grove Road. Entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.