Mr. Antonio Moniz

Obituary

Moniz, Antonio Felix

January 21, 1935 – January 16, 2024

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our dad, just days short of his 89th birthday. Born to Zulmira and Alberto on the small island of Graciosa in the Azores, our dad grew up in a family of seven siblings whose family gatherings would bring our dad such happiness over the years. Following in the steps of his siblings, our dad immigrated to Canada, and every December, he would remind us of the anniversary of the day he landed in Toronto. His immense passion for the sea took him to work on fishing boats in the Azores, but his carpentry skills are what built a life and home for his family in Toronto, and it’s comforting to know there are buildings throughout the city with his touch. His tough days at work were tempered by the comforts he cherished at home. He loved our mom’s cooking and the wine made from the grapes he pressed each year by hand in his garage. On summer days, he would be found caring for his backyard grapes, and even in his 88th year he was pruning vines and fending off raccoons. For two decades, through sun and snow, he drove his sons and their band equipment from gig to gig, waltzed with our mom, and rang in each New Year with his family. He loved the music of marching bands, especially performed by bandas filarmónicas, and as we grew up, he regaled us with his accordion and beloved harmonica, playing for a new audience with the arrival of his grandchildren.

Our dad was a tough cookie, who could also quietly listen. He instilled in us a strong work ethic and the meaning of respect. Foremost, he was dedicated to his family. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Gertrudes, who was his steady since they were teenagers; his children Antonio (Mary), Francisco (Filomena), Helio (Irundina), Jose (Georgina), and Nancy; grandchildren Steven (Stephanie), Andrew, Brandon, Eric, Alannah, Thomas, Madeleine, Laura, Oliver and Sarah; and great-granddaughter, Valentina. We will miss him. We will miss following his progress on jigsaw puzzles, his joyful sharing of childhood memories, his shared frustration with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the donning of his signature pageboy hat, his skills with woodwork, his weakness for Caramilk chocolate, but most especially, we will miss sharing our lives with him.

Para o nosso amado pai, não é fácil deixá-lo ir, mas sabemos em nossos corações que o pai está em paz e nos braços de nosso pai todo-poderoso.

Our family would like to especially thank Dr. Udell and Shelly Li, Dr. Kitchlu and Dr. Van Loon, Dr. Shah, and Dr. Dattilo. A special thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Toronto Western Hospital who were gracious with their care and compassion.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this time and in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Visitation

Service

Entombment