PHILIP SONNY ORSINO, OC, FCPA, FCA
It is with heavy hearts and a profound sense of loss that we share the passing of Philip S. Orsino on October 22. He was surrounded by family.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife. He was a very proud and loving father and grandfather. His greatest wish was that his granddaughter remembers him. He also leaves behind a very special sister and brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-niece and great-nephew. He is pre-deceased by his beloved parents.

Philip had an incredible impact on everything he touched and he leaves a legacy for generations to come. He was most proud of his work with the Canadian healthcare system.

Philip was formerly the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University Health Network. He is responsible for the establishment of the Philip S. Orsino Hematology Centre, Chair in Leukemia Research and the founding of the Philip S. Orsino Cell Therapy Facility. He is an Honorary Trustee of UHN and is currently a Board Member and the Audit Chair of the UHN Foundation.

Philip began his professional career in 1979 as a partner with Hilborn Ellis Grant, Chartered Accountants in Toronto. Later receiving the distinguished honour of becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Philip was most widely known as “The Door Man”. He co-founded Century Wood Door, which merged with Premdor and later became Masonite International Corporation, a fully integrated worldwide leader in the manufacturing and distribution of doors.

After “retiring” in 2005 he joined Onex Corporation as an Industry Partner, where he was appointed President of Jeld-Wen Inc. Prior to this appointment he was a Director of RSI Home Products Inc. and Tomkins Limited.

After retiring a second time, he continued his roles as a leader in the door industry with BBX Capital Corporation, later being appointed to President and CEO of Renin Corporation. He also served as Chairman of Tru Tech Inc. and most recently as a consultant to ODL Canada.

Philip served many roles as a Corporate Director. He is a former Director of the Bank of Montreal and former Chair of the Audit Committee. He recently retired after 21 years in April 2020. He also served as Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Minto Group, and a trustee of the Minto Apartment REIT, Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of Hydro One and the Clairvest Group Inc.

Philip’s greatest achievement was being appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2004. He was the recipient of the 2003 Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year Award and received the University of Toronto's Distinguished Business Alumni Award from the Rotman School of Management in 2002. He held a Bachelor’s degree from Victoria College at the University of Toronto, and was also the author of Successful Business Expansion.

Philip was a tough negotiator. With over sixty acquisitions he was known for putting deals together, but his greatest strength was his compassion. To have known him was to love him.

Beyond business, Philip loved music and parties, routinely combining the two in fantastic events that he and his wife hosted for family and friends. His love of music began at an early age and included being the lead singer and guitarist of a rock and roll band in his teenage years. He beautifully sang his way through life and was quick to jump at any chance to impersonate Elvis or entertain everyone around with song. His favourite collectibles by far were guitars.

We have been deeply touched and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on people throughout his life. He will be sadly missed by his many family, friends and colleagues.

The family is deeply grateful for the medical care and compassion provided by his medical care teams over the years.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church at 3055 Bloor Street West, Toronto. A burial will take place after at Park Lawn Cemetery. All that knew and loved him are welcomed to attend.

A Celebration of Life and his many accomplishments will be held in the spring.

For those who wish, donations may be made to the UHN Foundation (uhnfoundation.ca/tribute, (416) 603-5300), in memory of Philip S. Orsino. Flowers may be sent to Turner & Porter Funeral Home, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto.

Forever in our hearts. Rest in Peace.