Obituary of Gino Sartor

Gino Sartor, a visionary entrepreneur and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, surrounded by his devoted wife of 68 years, Maria, and his loving children Nadia and Rony (Nancy).

Born in Italy on December 5, 1936, Gino's journey from a young craftsman to a respected businessman embodied the quintessential immigrant success story. At 17, armed with only a pencil and ruler, he made a promise to himself: "With these two tools, I'm going to make it."

In 1955, Gino arrived in Canada with nothing but a suitcase full of dreams and an unwavering determination. Despite humble beginnings and language barriers, his extraordinary work ethic propelled him forward. He often said he measured his days not by hours worked, but by boxes of nails emptied.

Gino's relentless drive led him from residential projects to commercial and industrial developments. Over his career, he personally built more than 1,500 residential units across Northern Ontario, including Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Blind River, and Wawa. His remarkable achievements were recognized when the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce named him Entrepreneur of the Year in 1998.

Known affectionately as "Big G," Gino left an indelible mark on his adopted city. Despite his success, he remained humble — a man of few words who led by example and faced challenges without complaint. His resilience shone brightest during health battles, where his iron will was evident.

Beyond his professional life, Gino was a passionate collector of beautiful, fast cars and motorcycles, reflecting his appreciation for craftsmanship, speed, and elegance. He found joy in life's simple pleasures: being close to nature, listening to birdsong, foraging for mushrooms, holding his beloved dog Alex, and enjoying Sunday drives to Dairy Queen for ice cream.

Gino's life exemplified his motto: "Sempre forte" (Always strong). He proved that with dreams, commitment, and family support — anything is possible. Above all, he was a gentle man with deep family values. His smile, presence, and quiet strength will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Gino's dear friend Bruno for his daily visits, to physiotherapist Anthony Fiacconi for his instrumental support, and to Dr. Paul Gupta, Gino's "guardian angel" who provided care and support in times of crisis. They also express gratitude to the numerous PSWs, particularly Amanda, and the dedicated team who cared for Gino at home. Special thanks to the ICU team at SAH for their hard work and compassion.

A private celebration of life was held. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit Northwood Funeral Home. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).