Enza Genova (Daughter)

Entered December 14, 2020

To my beautiful Papa... My heart aches in sadness; my silent tears still flow for what it meant to lose you no; one will ever know. Although you can’t be here with me , we’re truly not apart until the final breath i take you’ll be living in my heart. My mind knows you are in a better place, where there is no pain I just wish that I could explain that to my heart which is still in pain. Thinking of you today and always I will love you forever.... Love you forever and always .. Enza

Pina Roberts (Old friend from the neighborhood)

Entered December 14, 2020 from Brampton

My condolences to you and the family. R. I. P.

Marina Abate (Daughter)

Entered December 14, 2020

I cant tell you daddy how many tears I've cried
since the day I was told my precious dad had died.
It Seems so impossible although I know its true..
As everything around reminds me of you.
I can still hear your laughter and see your smiling face.
I would have lost my sanity if not for Gods saving Grace,
I have to close this letter but its not goodbye.
For you will forever be with me in heart and mind.
I know you had to go and in a better place with our beautiful mom.
God wrap his wings around you both, till we see each other again,
Love always PAPA.. My superman.

Silvana Cioffi Gatti (Paesana)

Entered December 14, 2020

Sending all my love to the entire Abate family. My deepest condolences and sympathy. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your loving father Rest In Peace and reunite with his loving wife.

Regards🙏❤️

Matthew Genova 

Entered December 14, 2020 from Mississauga

You are at peace now nonno and can be with Nonna in heaven. I miss you and love you so much ❤️

Gennaro Abate moved from Italy to Canada in 1969. He worked hard to earn enough money to move his eight daughters and wife, Rosa across the pond to be with him. In October 1971 they reunited and were ready to start their new lives together in Canada.

Gennaro loved to have fun. He was known to bust a few moves on the dancefloor and loved dancing with his daughters to classic Italian hits. He was proud of his Italian heritage and took pride in educating his daughters on Italian culture so that they never forgot their roots.

A math wizard, he had a passion for playing cards and was really good at it, too. He was a hard competitor to beat and always sweeped. He would celebrate his wins with his family by spoiling them with pizza and other take out meals.

After a long week, the family would wind down with pizza and a movie. Gennaro’s favourite movies were spaghetti westerns. On special occasions he would treat the family to a double feature movie at a theatre on St. Clair Avenue West in Toronto.

The Abates were not a wealthy family but they were rich by heart. Through laughter, worry, smiles and tears they had each other to lean on.

Christmas was a special holiday for the family with many traditions. Gennaro would dress up as Santa Claus and hand out gifts to the kids. A memory that will forever be remembered and cherished by the family.

Gennaro was very loved by his family. They’ll keep all of the fond memories they’ve created over the years very close to their hearts. Gennaro will be deeply missed, always loved and never forgotten.

Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal but love leaves a memory that no one can steal.