It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Reverend Monsignor Mariano Francis Polito, a devoted son, brother, uncle and friend.

Monsignor Polito is the last surviving sibling of a large family of three sisters and four brothers. Mariano was his families’ patriarch and was loved and cherished dearly by his dozens of nieces and nephews. He baptized and married most of his nieces and nephews over the years, personalizing and adding so much meaning to all of us. Reverend Polito was a special friend to many people.

Mariano attended St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1954 and then attended St Augustine’s Seminary for his Bachelor of Sacred Theology. He was ordained in 1958 at St. Michael’s Cathedral and served his faithful for many years at these parishes: St. Patrick’s, St. William’s, St. Clare’s, All Saint’s, Saint Mary’s and Our Lady of Sorrows.

In 1993 Monsignor Polito was appointed Director of Priests’ Personnel for the Archdiocese of Toronto, a position he held for eight years and in 1996, he sat on the first Shepherd’s Trust Board. On February 27, 1996 he was bestowed the honour of the title Monsignor.

In 2005 Mariano retired and lived full time at his farm where he spent his days woodworking in his workshop, gardening, reading, visiting with family and friends and watching the Leafs, Blue Jays and Raptors games.

For over 50 years he hosted the Polito family picnic at the farm. On October 1, 2021 he decided to move to Presentation Manor in Scarborough where he made many friends.

Mariano was deeply devoted to his faith, family, and community. May he rest in peace, embraced by God, knowing that his legacy of kindness, love and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his life.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West (at Windermere Ave, east of the Jane subway), on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 2 – 8 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Parish, 130 Bathurst Street, Toronto (at Adelaide Street West), on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11 a.m.

A livestream link for the Funeral Mass can be found below.
The livestream link will become active approximately 10 minutes prior to the service.

Interment to St Augustine’s Seminary, Queen of Clergy Cemetery, 2661 Kingston Road, Scarborough.

Reception to follow after the Interment at Presentation Manor, 61 Fairfax Crescent, Scarborough (parking at the school and soccer community centre just down from Presentation Manor).

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Presentation Manor at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/58487