Benito (Benny) Vittorio Cimicata

Benito (Benny) Vittorio Cimicata, born November 1, 1936 in Fossato Serralta, Italy.  He died peacefully on the evening of April 16^th while being cared for by his family and the wonderful staff at Dorothy Ley Hospice.  

Benny was a proud and fearless man who reluctantly left Italy at seventeen to follow his older brothers to a new life in Canada.  He arrived in Toronto without education, money, job prospects or the right language.  He had charm, confidence, family and paesani in this strange new city (he always complained that you couldn’t even get a drink on Sundays).   He stuck it out and within a few short years his famous good fortune (along with good looks and natural charm) brought him to his loving and devoted wife of 60+ years, Maria (also new to Toronto, via Austria). Together they raised three kids (Paul, Carmi and Steve) in the same west-end neighbourhood of Toronto and owned a small but thriving fruit and vegetable store for years. He was the kind of father that would wake you up at midnight to watch some favourite old Italian movie or Western and always let you stay up late to watch the hockey game. He was a favourite uncle, a loyal friend, and the best nonno to his three grandchildren (Stella, Henry & Charles).  He had strong opinions but always a soft heart for anyone who needed help. He was Italian in all the ways that count (food, vino, temperament) but also an honourary member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was the best card player and never once let his grandkids beat him at checkers.  He loved hunting but was also a nature lover and conservationist. He could grow anything (somehow lemons in Toronto?), and thought he was the best cook (maybe once a year). He always cheered for Toronto’s sports teams, but the Maple Leafs most of all - probably just to annoy his Montreal loving brothers.  He was quick with a joke (not always appropriate) and the life of every family gathering - always the last to arrive and the last to leave.  Above all, he loved his large, loud, loving extended family.  

He will be deeply missed.  We want to believe he’s with his departed brothers and sisters somewhere playing cards, telling jokes and worrying about all of us still here.

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 (5830 Bathurst St.). After the long driveway, it is the first building on your left. The family will receive guests on Thursday, April 20, from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of Westminster on Friday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m., with entombment to follow at Westminster Cemetery & Mausoleum.

Your thoughts and kindness are truly appreciated during this time of sorrow.