Paolo "Paul" Villalta

Paul left us unexpectedly and much too soon on April 19, 2021. Beloved partner and best friend to Carol, very proud and loving father to Angela (Carlos), Deanna (Dan) and Alex. Adoring Nonno to Mateo and newborn Sebastian. He will also be missed by his father Sante, brother, Dennis (Donna), nephew David (Katie), and niece Danielle (Luke). Great uncle to Isabella and Max. Dearly loved and missed by his mother-in-law, Jean, and the Augustyn and Sic families.

Predeceased recently by his mother, Rosa, and by his twin sisters who passed away shortly after their birth in October 1960.

Paul was so very proud of his kids. He taught them respect and the value of a good work ethic. He wasn’t just their father, he was their best friend, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them and, in turn, with their own friends. Most people wondered how he had so much energy. Paul was full of life, always the life of the party, with the loudest and most affectionate laugh in the room. He had a great sense of humour and was a straight shooter. You always knew where you stood with him.

Paul thought the world of his son-in-law, Carlos and was so very happy with Angela’s choice in a husband. Carlos, a very talented chef as well, impressed Paul with his gnocchi – second best to his own mom’s recipe. He was always searching for wines that Paul would enjoy and new Amaros that they could savour together and then Paul would, in turn, enjoy sharing them with his buddies. Carlos looked up to his father-in-law, as a mentor, and always wanted to make him proud.

Paul couldn’t wait for Dan to officially join the family too, so happy with his daughter Deanna’s choice, and he was so looking forward to walking her down the aisle.

He absolutely loved the role of Nonno, playing cars with Mateo, teaching him about tools, letting him help with the snow tires and making him laugh while driving him around the yard in the wheelbarrow.

Raised with strong family values, Paul and Dennis were loving brothers and fiercely loyal to each other. Whether it be talking sports, playing baseball, or simply sitting on the dock at the cottage, the brothers remained the best of friends.

Paul’s mother-in-law, Jean, thought the world of Paul. She knew she could count on him if she needed help or advice about something and always told Carol to hold onto him because he was a keeper.

Paul loved the outdoors, enjoying camping and cottage vacations with his family, listening to MooseFM on the radio and evenings around the campfire. He looked forward to May long weekends for many years with the boys at ‘The Shack’. He enjoyed cooking and entertaining with family & friends. Many will remember the famous Polenta parties, where the fried polenta was always a hit. On Sundays with family Paul always tried new ideas to impress his Chef daughter, Angela. And when up north, he and Deanna would be the first ones out on the dock at night to gaze up at the stars and just enjoy each other’s company. She laughs when she recalls that he taught her how to take her first tequila shot.

Paul loved celebrating birthdays and holidays with his family; and fond of traditions like the annual search for and cutting of the Christmas tree followed by the tailgate party in the parking lot with hot chocolate, cocoa and donuts. Then, cooking all day together on Christmas Eve to prepare Christmas Day lunch, which often included some wild game dish and homemade pasta or gnocchi.

While most people couldn’t wait for winter to end, Paul was the one doing the snow dance in anticipation of the winter snowmobile season. He lived to ride and enjoyed some wonderful trips with his snowmobile buddies, throughout northern Ontario, Quebec and even Gaspe, and he took great pleasure in including Alex on some cherished Father-Son weekend bonding rides. They also spent several weeks one summer backpacking through Europe together.

Paul was also an avid cyclist, an active member as both a board director and Ride Capo of the Veneto Cycling Club, and participated in many cycling excursions and Giros both local and afar, and would often start a cycling trip with a story of a proud moment with his children or grandchildren.

He often talked about his ‘village’, his large network of friends who always had his back and were not only there for him but for his children and for Carol. A friend to all and always there if you needed his help. He was greatly respected and will fondly be missed by all who knew him. The outpouring of support from his network has been wonderful.

With over two decades of amazing memories, Paul’s passing leaves Carol with a hole in her heart. Together they enjoyed many wonderful adventures; top of the list being visiting with his family in Italy, or simply enjoying a Spritz together after a long day of landscaping or working in the vegetable or flower gardens. People always said that they were a good team, and they were.

Paul will be laid to rest on Monday April 26, 2021 with a private service and burial. A Celebration of Life will be arranged at a later date when protocols and restrictions allow it.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be gladly accepted at the Vaughan Food Bank, for which Paul volunteered and was a strong supporter.

Paul, you will be missed dearly. Rest in peace, my Love, until we meet again.