Obituary of Aldo Diotallevi

In gratitude for and celebration of a remarkable life, we announce the passing of Aldo in his 103rd year on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Sault Area Hospital.  Aldo lived his entire life in Sault Ste. Marie, becoming a well-known, much-loved and prominent citizen of the city.

Predeceased by his ex-wife, Eseda Bobinec (Tagliabracci) in 2023, son Gary (Linda Palmer), in Evansville, Indiana in 1997, his sister Dina Muio (Carmen), and his parents, Enrico and Maria (Iacucci) Diotallevi.  He will be profoundly missed by his children Diane Maubach of Toronto, Mark (Katie) of Stratford, and Janine Suraci (Al) of Sault Ste. Marie.  Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Dante Diotallevi, Julia Diotallevi (Eli Johnson), Caelan Hargis, Liam Hargis (Hilal Celegen) and Carina Hargis. Aldo leaves behind his beloved partner of many years, Clare Lennox.

Born August 4, 1923, in Sault Ste. Marie, Aldo was the proud son of Italian immigrants.  He had a colourful childhood in the city’s West End. Many of his adventures (and misadventures!) have been recorded by the Public Library’s Oral History of Sault Ste. Marie and can be accessed online on their website. Aldo was a consummate storyteller.

Aldo served in the Canadian army from 1942 until 1945, mostly stationed out east and attaining the rank of Sergeant.  Upon his return to the Sault, he opened Modern Music on Queen Street for a year then began his career with Canada Manpower as a clerk.  He rose through the ranks to become District Director for the entire Sault area and Manager of what became the Canada Employment Centre.  Aldo remained with this government agency until his retirement in 1992 at the age of 69.  With his family, he also opened and ran the local Tastee Freez near Queen and Gore Street for 17 years.  

Music was an important part of Aldo’s life in his earlier days.  He played saxophone in a local band, The Sound, for twenty years and was Vice-President of the Sault Musician’s Union.  Aldo was also a member of the Kiwanis Club, Chairman of the Conservation Authority, Chairman of the Committee of Adjustment for nearly twenty years, Vice-President for the Congress of Italian Canadians, member of the Marconi Society and a proud member of the Canadian Legion.

In his retirement years, Aldo held court at daily coffee clubs with an ever-evolving group of members and at various locations around town.  Most recently, his coffee club could be found solving the world’s problems every week-day morning at the Tim Horton’s on Bay Street.

Aldo loved to travel, especially to Italy where he went many times to research family roots.  In 1989, he discovered a branch of his father’s family who had settled in Buenos Aires, Argentina so he arranged a family trip there to meet his long-lost cousins.  Strong bonds grew out of that first visit and he returned several times over the years.  The Argentine relatives also visited Canada and have kept in close touch with Aldo ever since.  In 2014, Aldo shared his love for Italy with his children, their spouses, and grandchildren on an epic grand tour of the country.  It was an unforgettable experience. 

Aldo’s love for Italy and all things Italian was surpassed only by his devotion to Canada and the city of Sault Ste. Marie.  He constantly touted the glories of the Sault wherever he went.  Along with partner Clare, Aldo was a familiar sight in the Station Mall, at many local restaurants, city events and at all Greyhound games – he was a passionate Greyhounds supporter and season ticket holder for decades. Aldo rarely entered a Sault location without being greeted by name.  He constantly made new friends thanks to his gift for being able to talk to anyone about anything.  A devoted Catholic, Aldo attended St. Jerome’s church where he was beloved by Father Alex and the congregation. 

Aldo was a loving, supportive father and Nonno. Nothing delighted him more than to be surrounded by his children and grandchildren. We were fortunate to celebrate many birthdays, Christmases and other special occasions with him. Our last – his 102^nd birthday on August 4, 2025 – was a perfect day spent first at Pointe des Chenes enjoying nature and a picnic lunch with family, followed by a gathering at his home for birthday cake with many friends. As a Nonno, Aldo had a tremendous impact on his grandchildren, passing along his optimistic, loving outlook on life. He never passed up a chance to say to us, “I love you.”

Aldo’s fierce intellect, sharp memory, persistent optimism and insatiable curiosity were never dimmed by age.  He was constantly reading, watching the news, discussing world events and asking questions.  Right up until the end of his life, he remained interested in what was happening with his children, grandchildren and the world at large.  In his last days, he was still saying “I want to know what’s going on”.  He was, quite simply, an extraordinary man.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 0B6, 705-945-7758) on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church (26 Carmel Rd., Sault Ste. Marie) at 1:00 p.m. with Father Alex Saurianthadathil officiant. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations to Breakthrough T1Diabetes (formerly JDRF) or the MS Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated.

The family would like to thank Jim Gordon, Justin Mount, David Beck, Joe Dipasquale, Paul Millington, Ed Rowe, and John Dionisi for their ongoing support. Warm thanks to Dr. Booth and Dr. Chris Bruni for their excellent care of Aldo. Thanks also to Fern Young, Rosemary (PSW/Doula), the PSWs from CBI, the staff at both Sault Area Hospital and Pathways Retirement Residence.

Aldo’s last wish for all of us:

“When I die, festa, festa!”