Thomas Cardozo

Thomas “Tom/Papa” Aquino Cardozo went home to the eternal Kingdom prepared for him by God on Sunday, October 4, 2020. He was 87.

Born in Goa, India on March 7, 1933, beloved son of the late Manuel Xavier Cardozo and Sebastiana Cardozo. The youngest of 4, he was raised in Veroda.

After graduating from high school, Papa boarded a ship to Kuwait where he worked for a bank. He stayed and worked for a couple of years, until he moved to Erlangen, Germany to be closer to the love of his life, Hildegard. After getting married, Tom and Hildegard immigrated to Canada where they set up their roots and started their own family. Papa worked for the City of Toronto at the Licensing Commission where he retired after 30 years of service.

If there is one undeniable fact about Tom, it would be his love for the Maple Leafs. Papa was always shocked when his Maple Leafs lost. They were not good for so long and then they became young, fast and exciting but, couldn’t get out of the first round. You could see the disappointment on his face after another early playoff exit. He was an avid tennis fan. Once the hockey season was over, he looked forward to the different tennis tournaments that were happening round the globe. Papa was also an avid player of bridge. Proof of his excellence in the game are the many trophies that he got from the tournaments that he participated in.

Tom was a man of many talents. He loved music. He played the guitar and the violin. He was a music cantor at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and St. Matthew’s Parish for more than 10 years combined. He also loved to sketch and made a couple of art pieces, most notably that of his wife, Hildegard, which he was most proud of.

Tom was a strong minded and quick-witted man. He engaged in many deep conversations and discussions about life, politics and current events to family, friends and colleagues. He expressed his views, without fear by writing often to newspapers commenting on their editorial pieces. Papa had a picture of Saint Thomas More in his living room. More was a man of principle and of conscience. So was Papa: when he decided on something, that was it!

He was a storyteller. Papa could tell a story at any time but often picked the middle of an interesting movie or a key moment in a Leafs’ game to do it 😊. Anyone that knew him also knew that he was a student of history. And he remembered things in great detail, too. Amazing!

Tom met the love of his life, Hildegard, through a Catholic, penpals organization (Pax Christi). It all started with one letter that blossomed into a deep friendship, that eventually made them fall in love in the process of getting to know each other.

He was a devoted and loving father, his love tireless. He would always say he was a lucky man when sharing stories of his family. His home was dotted with precious memorabilia from the stuffed doll he gave Hildegard on their first date to photos of friends and families.

He was a devout and prayerful Catholic, and a loyal friend to many in his home parish, condo community and the senior’s center where he belonged. He was always grateful. He would often call to say thank you for even the smallest of things. He always wanted to make you feel special and to show his gratitude. He brought laughter and wisdom, and will always be remembered for his compassion, kindness, and positive outlook in life.

Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Hildegard; his parents, Manuel Xavier and Sebastiana; and his siblings, Sebastiao Jose, Melquida and Nicete. He is survived by his son Paul, and daughter-in-law Anna; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless extended family and friends.

The wake is arranged for Thursday, October 8, 2020, at Ward Funeral Home, “Weston Chapel”, 2035 Weston Road, Toronto, Ontario. Due to COVID restrictions, please register online.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at All Saints Roman Catholic Church, 1415 Royal York Road, Toronto, Ontario, on Friday, October 9, 2020, at 11 am. Due to COVID restrictions, please register online to attend. The Holy Mass will be also be livestreamed on a link that will be available on this site on the day of the service.

We would like to thank the many family and friends who have enriched Papa’s life over the course of his lifetime - his life was all the more richer because of you.

We give thanks to God for the life of Thomas – loving husband, dedicated father and hero to his son Paul, devoted son, loving brother, special uncle, inspired mentor, and faithful friend to many. May the Lord welcome him with open arms. May he now enjoy the rewards of eternal life, in paradise where all suffering is gone.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.