Antonio Cesario

Antonio Cesario, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on April 17, 1939, in San Fili, Provincia di Cosenza, Italy, Antonio’s journey began in the hills of Calabria before leading him to build a life filled with purpose and love in Canada. He took immense pride in becoming a cornerstone of the city of Toronto.

His hard work and dedication were primarily seen in the GTA, where he contributed to the construction of many buildings for Tridel and the 183 Liuna Union. Antonio often shared stories of his accomplishments with his family, basking in the joy of creating a lasting legacy in a city he deeply loved.

Antonio was not just a man of labor; he was a man of passion, especially when it came to his garden. It was often said that if you wanted to find Antonio, just look for the lush greenery surrounding his home, filled with vibrant tomato plants and flourishing fig trees. Gardening was more than a hobby for him; it was a testament to his nurturing spirit and a reflection of his deep connection to nature. Amidst his plants, he found solace and happiness, often calling it his sanctuary.

With a storyteller’s heart, Antonio was the life of every gathering, enveloping his family in warmth and laughter with tales that could span generations. He cherished these moments, relishing the opportunity to be at the center of attention. His love for storytelling intertwined beautifully with his profound love for family; it was this very family that made his life rich and fulfilling.

Antonio is survived by his devoted wife Elvira, with whom he shared an extraordinary 61 years of marriage—a partnership rooted in love and respect. Together, they nurtured a beautiful family, which includes their children Francesco (Assunta) and Roberto (Carolina). The joy of their lives continued to blossom through their grandchildren: Sabrina (Anthony), Marcantonio (Grace), Anthony Joseph (Tiegan), and Erica (Dylan). He also took great pride in welcoming his great-grandchild Sofia Maria into the family, a new light in his world.

Antonio Cesario will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever resonate in the stories he told, the gardens he tended, and the love he shared. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to grow in the hearts of his family, reminding them of the importance of togetherness, laughter, and the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.

If so desired donations can be made in memory of Antonio to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network and SickKids Foundation

Visitation will be held at Westminster Funeral & Reception Centre (5826 Bathurst St, between Finch and Steeles on the west side), located on the grounds of Westminster Cemetery, it is the first building on your left. The family will receive guests on Friday October 24, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm & 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paschal Baylon Parish, Thornhill (92 Steeles Ave West, Thornhill) on Saturday October 25, 2025 at 10:00 am with entombment to follow at Westminster Cemetery & Mausoleum.