It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gino “Guerino” Molinaro on the 29th day of January, 2025 at the age of 84 at Trillium Hospital with his beloved wife of 59 years by his side.

He was a cherished father of their 3 children, Vince (Julie), Frank (Marci) and his beloved daughter Joanne, who was tragically taken from him too soon. Proud Nonno to Joanna, Lucas, Joey, Nick, Alessia, Jake & Paris and Bisnonno to D.J. and Juelz. Brother to Rosa (predeceased), Anna, Mario (Nella) and Frances (Chris).

Gino’s birth name “Guerino” means warrior and he lived up to that name. Born in the small town of Cosenza, Italy on October 28, 1940 he came to Canada in 1956 with nothing to start a new life. Gino started making bread at Dempster’s at the tender age of 16. In 1964, taking what he learned, he ventured into the pizza making business. He would eventually become a minority partner in Canadian Pizza Crust and by 1980 he became the sole owner of Canadian Pizza Crust. In 1985 he built Canadian Pizza Crust UK in Manchester, England. 1987 he sold CPC Canada only to reacquire it in 1993 a year after selling England in 1992 and rename it as it is known today Molinaro’s Fine Italian Foods Ltd. Not just a businessman…he became an accomplished horse breeder and won the 2002 Queen’s Plate with TJ’s Lucky Moon.

The things he enjoyed the most were watching the Leafs on game nights with the boys, Vince, Frank and John and anyone else that dropped in, spending time with his dear friends Sam and Fred and their many adventures to the Casino, family get togethers, cruising and travelling with his beautiful Anna and all the friends they made along the way…many of whom are still in touch to this day. Another great pride was his garden…he enjoyed working with his nephew Santo in his garden every day, talking to his tomatoes and watching them grow. He found peace and enjoyment in the simple things in life.

Gino will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he touched. He left us all with countless memories and stories to tell.

We will all miss him dearly and treasure the countless memories and stories he has left us with. We will miss your voice, the sparkle in your eyes, his quick wit and sense of humour. We will honour your legacy. We will honour your life. We will tell your stories.

It is said that a person truly does not die until the person with the last memory of you passes. Gino will live on through the hearts and memories of the countless number of people whose lives he touched. He will be truly missed by everyone!

Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter “Peel” Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga on Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 2 – 9 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 921 Flagship Drive, Mississauga on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

Interment to follow at Glen Oaks Cemetery, 3165 Ninth Line, Oakville

In lieu of flowers donations in Gino’s memory to Trillium Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.turnerporter.ca