Obituary of Giovanni Santoro

Surrounded by the love of his family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Giovanni Santoro, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the age of 80 years. 

Dad is reunited with the love of his life, Ida, who he has missed dearly for the past 5 years. Adored and cherished father of Maria Santoro and Silvana Bassanello (Steve).  His greatest treasures were his two granddaughters, Emma and Megan Bassanello. His love for them was unconditional and has had such a positive impact on the wonderful young women they are today. 

Born in Paola, Italy and predeceased by his parents, late Roberto and late Maria Santoro. Much loved brother of Rosa Stefano (late Franco), Lydia (late Luigi) of Italy, late Lina (late Carmen) of Brazil, and late Lucia of Italy. Beloved son-in -law of the late Amadeo and late Nicoletta Stefano. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins, and aunts and uncles in Canada, Italy and Brazil. 

His love of gardening was his passion. Growing a bountiful harvest for all to share in the summer and fall. His garden was a labour of love that he tended to each day. When he wasn’t in his garden, you would find him in his gazebo with a lit fire watching a soccer game - always cheering for his favourite team. His gazebo was his club house with friends and family enjoying a beer together or a cup of coffee and endless conversations. 

He was the happiest man when he was surrounded by people. He could fit into any crowd, young and old. If you were lucky, there were times you became his audience. We have countless video clips to prove it!  With love in his heart, enough food on the table to feed an army, and Limoncello shooters lining up, you knew Johnny’s show was ready to begin. So many laughs, so many jokes with forgotten punch lines or one liners that came out of nowhere. It was usually Megan who planted ideas in Nonno’s mind and then he would just roll with it creating some lasting memories of a man who always made us smile. 

Over the past 2 years Nonno joined us on every trip to Dryden to visit Emma. Whether it was sunny, raining or a complete snowstorm, he thought it was a perfect day for a 12-hour drive to visit his granddaughter. While there, he would mow the grass, manicure the edges of her walkway and hose down the entire house just to make it perfect for her. He would try to provide Emma with a quick tutorial on how to work with all her lawn equipment while at the same time accepting that she has no intention of taking on the task of perpetual lawn care anytime soon. 

We enjoyed a final family vacation in Costa Rica during the Christmas holidays. Planning our next trip without realizing it would be our last. Cherished memories that bring us so much peace as we begin to say goodbye to such an amazing and inspiring man, we are so blessed to call our Dad and Nonno. 

A special heartfelt thank you to Pat and Anna Novello for all the love and care you showed our Dad over the years. Pat, you were the son he never had, and he loved you both immensely.  For the most part, Pat was Dad’s partner in crime. Always up for any project and always there to lend a helping hand. We are forever grateful for your love. Our gazebo nights will never be the same. 

Cremation has taken place, and a private service has been held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the charity of your choice is greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).