It is with extreme sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear Gino, at St. Joseph’s Heath Centre, on Wednesday July 31st, 2024, at the young age of 52.

One of his greatest pleasures in life was his family, for whom he would do anything. He leaves behind the love of his life, his best friend and wife of 20 years, Maria (nee Colaiacovo), and his children: Luca, Emily and Michael, who meant everything to him. Beloved son of Giovanni, Gino is now reunited with his late mother Emilia Gizzarelli. He will be sadly missed by his brother Joe and sister-in-law Paula Gizzarelli. A dear son-in-law to Angela and the late Mario Colaiacovo, and brother-in-law to Cristina and Joe Cacioppo. So many people are left to mourn his passing, especially his nephews Jonathan and Michael, and nieces Alessia and Milena. Gino will be remembered for being a loving, supportive and selfless husband, father, son, uncle, cousin and dear friend.

Gino had a brilliant mind. He spent eleven years studying at the University of Toronto and held three professional degrees; practicing as a dental anesthesiologist, dentist and pharmacist. He was the “go-to” person for both of his professional organizations and his friends alike. He forged many great relationships over the years as he tirelessly crisscrossed southern Ontario, driving from dental office to dental office providing anesthesia services, all while continuing to work as a part-time pharmacist at Toronto General Hospital. His commitment to serving patients was beyond measure. His gentle disposition, friendly demeanor and contagious smile would light up a room.

If there was one man who enjoyed life to the fullest and treated everyday like a gift, it was Gino. He enjoyed all the pleasures of life, and loved to meet and talk to everyone. He loved nothing more than to spend time with family and friends enjoying a laugh, good food and a nice bottle of wine - especially in the summer months at the cottage.

At times like these, people usually say “rest in peace,” but rest was never really Gino’s thing. Gino had the strongest work ethic imaginable, and mastered every skill he tried. He rarely hired tradespeople as he could usually do any job better himself. Always planning ahead, Gino was always equipped with every tool he needed, with a back-up for everything. He loved fixing things, tinkering and helping to solve anyone’s problems - he was ALWAYS there for you when you needed him.

Gino was generous with his love and could put a smile on anyone’s face, and that is what we will all miss the most. He was truly one-of-a-kind. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have known him will never forget him.

Special thank you to staff at St. Joseph’s Health Centre and Mount Sinai Hospital.

Friends may call for visitation at the Turner & Porter Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street, (Hwy 10, N of the QEW), Mississauga, on Thursday from 6-9 pm, and Friday from 2-4 & 6-9 pm. Prayers Friday at 6pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, 3055 Bloor Street West, (E. of Islington Ave.), Toronto, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 10:30 am. Parking at the church is very limited. There are paid parking spots along Bloor St., and paid public parking lots North of Bloor St. off of Willingdon Blvd., Jackson Ave., Greenview Blvd., Wendover Rd., Prince Edward Dr., and South of Bloor St off Cosmo Rd.

All are welcome to attend Gino’s entombment immediately following the mass, at Park Lawn Cemetery, 2845 Bloor Street West. Please use Bloor St. entrance.

A Scholarship has been set up in Gino's memory called the Dr. GINO GIZZARELLI DENTISTRY AWARD. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation towards this award to honour Gino's legacy at the Faculty of Dentistry. The fund will support future dentistry students on the basis of merit and/or financial need. You may make a donation using this website: please click on the "Donation" feature on this webpage. When you get to the donation site, please complete steps #1 - 4.

To the world you were one person, but to us you were our world. We love you and miss you already.

Online condolences may also be made using the "Guestbook" feature of this webpage.