It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donato Solazzo peacefully in his sleep at Etobicoke General Hospital on April 5th, at age 90.

Donato was the beloved husband to Rosa Solazzo; the cherished father of Maria (Alfonso Quatrale), Tony (Rosie Solazzo), John (Sharon Solazzo), and Mike Solazzo (Mary Hopla). He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Angela (Tom Gareri), Diana (Jose Quatrale), Danny, Crystal (Tino Fabiano), Anthony (Jennifer Solazzo), Melissa (Jordan Salvatore), Shane Noseworthy, Johnathan Solazzo, Paula and Amy Hopla; and great-grandchildren Nathan, Emily, and Madisyn Gareri, Anthony, Hailey, and Sadie Solazzo, Georgia Noseworthy, Colton Hopla, and Ericson Hopla.

Donato was born in Italy and came to Canada at a young age where he built an incredible life for him and his family. He loved spending his summer days watching the Blue Jays and growing his award-winning zucchinis. Donato was always happiest when he was surrounded by his family. He held family over everything and he has passed down his strong family values on to each and every one of his children and grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by family and friends, whose lives he touched with his candid sense of humor and his ability to light up a room. His memory will live on forever.

A special thank you to the staff at Etobicoke General Hospital-William Osler Health System and Trillium Health Partners- Mississauga Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Toronto.

Due to the current restrictions, a private service will be held at Turner and Porter Yorke Chapel for immediate family only. A memorial mass and celebration of life will be held in Donato’s honor at a later date.

Messages from Donato’s Grandchildren:

Donato Solazzo was a hard working family man who loved all of his children and grandchildren, and they loved him. He was a man of few words but strong in character. His strong character is what carried him in his life and will carry him in his afterlife. I will fondly remember his devotion to Nonna and our family. Rest In Peace.
-Shane Noseworthy


One of the best memories I have of Nonno is when my parents and I took him to see WWE Live. It was shortly after his 82nd birthday, and I could tell it was a struggle for him to walk up to our seats but he was determined. I will never forget the look on his face when his favorite wrestler John Cena first came out. He told me and my dad that John Cena was “a true champion” and my Dad said to him “Hey Dad, you know this is fake right?” and Nonno replied, “ya but let’s see if you can fake that and not get hurt!”
I remember not wanting that night to end, because he seemed like he was having the time of his life. Thank you Nonno for always making myself and all of your other grandchildren feel like a champion when we walked through your door. I love you and you will never be forgotten.
- Anthony Solazzo

Two of my favourite memories of Nonno are whenever I would visit nonno would always make me brown cows with kaluha and milk and when Nonno and I used to watch WWF wrestling and if I missed an episode he used to tape it for me. We love you and we’ll miss you.
-Angela Gareri

When I think about my Nonno Donato Solazzo, I remember him as always smiling, with a good sense of humor, he loved his family and always looked at the good things in life. I will miss him greatly, but I will forever remember what a wonderful Nonno he was and all the things he passed on. I love you Nonno, Rest In Peace. Your grandson Johnathan
- Johnathan Solazzo

One of my favourite memories I have of Nonno is when I was about 8 years old and I went over to visit Nonna and Nonno and as soon as I walked in the door Nonno told me to hurry up and get in the living room. I kicked my shoes off and ran straight into the room because he sounded so excited, and as soon as I got there he pulled out a green studded ring out of a folded Kleenex that he had in his pocket and he said, “I found this ring on one of my walks and it’s green for your birthday.” I didn’t even know at that time that my birthstone was green but I’ll never forget how special he made me feel. It’s been over 20 years since that day and I still have that ring and I will cherish it and that moment with him forever. Nonno, thank you for always finding a way to turn even the simplest of things into something special. I love you and I’ll miss you forever. Rest in peace.
- Melissa Salvatore

One of my favourite memories of Nonno is when we would sit and play briscola cards for quarters. We love you and we’ll miss you.
- Danny Quatrale



One of the things that stand out to me most about Nonno is that was a great inventor. When ever I would go over to his house, he would always be in the garage either making something new that he needed or he was finding a way to improve something he already had that just wasn’t working the way he wanted it to. I remember this one time I went over he was so proud and he said, “see I did it” and I said, “you made a hammer” and he said, “no it’s a hammer with a dent so you never miss the nail!” I was so speechless at how great of an idea that was. I love you Nonno and you’ll be missed forever.
- Crystal Fabiano

My memory of Nonno was when I accidentally fell into the pond as a kid and Nonno grabbed me by the back of my shirt and pulled me out. We will miss you Nonno. Love you!
- Diana Quatrale