Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother, mentor, friend, and beloved son, Antonio (Tony) Estrela. Tony passed peacefully with his family by his side after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Tony was born in Ribeira Grande, S. Miguel, Azores, Portugal on October 14 1955. His strength came at a young age when he lost his father at 7 and made the journey to Canada along with his 6 siblings to be reunited with their mother after two long years of separation. Growing up, Tony was the second eldest of 9 children and was not only a brother but a mentor to his siblings, often times ruling the roost and setting the standard for high expectations in the household. Tony spent most of his working life employed at the Workplace Safety Insurance Board as an Adjudicator, he loved his job & was fully committed to always doing his best. His hard work, professionalism and commitment was not overlooked by anyone that knew him. If you were a friend of his, he was completely loyal and committed to helping you with anything - all you had to do was ask. Tony loved sailing, running and following sports. He was passionately devoted to helping animals and his boundless generosity was only outdone by the enormity of his heart. Preceded by the death of his father, Eduino and step-father Manuel, Tony leaves behind his mother Lourdes and his siblings Fern, Louis (Mirella), Alda (Eduardo), Eduino (Lina), Maria (Glenn), Joe, Goncalo (Susana) and Elena (Adam). He was a doting uncle to his many beloved nephews and nieces, Michael (Patricia), Ryan (Melanie), Ashley (Michael), Kristin, Jessica, Meagan (Steve), Courtney (Michael), Samantha (Dylan), Matthew, Melissa, Daniel, Emily (Ivan), Thomas, David, Jacob and Andrew along with his many great-nephews and great-nieces. Tony was dearly loved by many and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. We are comforted by the thought that his father, step-father and grandparents are all at the Gates of Heaven to greet him with love…and maybe a cat or two. Visitation will take place at Cardinal Funeral Home (366 Bathurst St) on Friday October 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Funeral service on Saturday October 28 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (840 Bathurst St, Toronto). Burial will be at Assumption Catholic Cemetery (6933 Tomken Rd, Mississauga) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honour of Tony to a few of the charities that were closest to his heart such as Operation Smile, Toronto Humane Society and the Daily Food Bank.

Visitation

Date
October 27, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes-Bathurst
Time
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Date
October 27, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes-Bathurst
Time
06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Service

Date
October 28, 2023
Location
St. Peter's Catholic Church
Time
10:00 AM

Burial

Date
October 28, 2023
Location
Assumption Cemetery
Time
12:00 PM
Memo

Timing for cemetery is approximate

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October 31, 2023
Bruna Di Cecca
I'm so sorry to hear about Tony's passing. He was a kind and gentle soul. My condolences to Tony's family and all who loved him. 'With Faith we can find some comfort knowing there is Eternal Life'. May he Rest In Peace
October 31, 2023
Krista Hille
My condolences to Tony’s family! What sad news to hear of Tony’s passing. I worked with him for years and we shared many great laughs. Heaven’s got a good one!
October 31, 2023
Lois Roccatani
My sincere condolences to Tony's family for your loss. I worked with Tony and was always impressed by his kindness, competence , hard work, and caring. He was always so generous with this time, his knowledge, his encouragement and his kindhearted spirit. I remember leaving work many nights when Tony was the last person there quietly working to do the best job possible for whomever needed it done. He was a lovely man and it was gift to have known and worked with him.
October 31, 2023
Alan Pollock
My deepest condolenses to Tony's family. I have fond memories of working alongside Tony at Simcoe Place. His kind, gentle nature, but also his knowledge and tremendous work ethic made such an impression.
October 31, 2023
Jorgina & Martim gaspar
My deepest condolences to the family. I had the honor of working with Tony. He was very dedicated to his work and his friends. He was also very funny. He is missed.
October 31, 2023
Marisa Hall
I am heart broken to hear of Tony’s passing. I worked with Tony and knew him for over 30 years. He was my running buddy. He was a gentle and kind friend. I will miss him terribly. No words I can offer will make this hurt go away. My deepest condolences to his family.
October 30, 2023
Lilia Kostyk
I am saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. I am sorry for his family. The loss of this wonderful gentleman is enormous. He was a class act. He left an indelible impression of kindness and generosity on all who had the honour of knowing him. But he is safe now, protected by the Father of all.
October 28, 2023
Deanne Levicki
I’m so sorry for your loss. I worked with Tony for a number of years at the WSIB. He was always ready to help. I will remember his kindness and his care of and love for the cats in his neighbourhood. May he rest peacefully. He was very much appreciated My sincere condolences to all his family and friends
October 28, 2023
cheryl chiappetta
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. I am so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. I met Tony at WSIB over 30 years ago and we quickly became friends sharing many laughs and great conversations. He will be remembered with the fondest of memories.
October 27, 2023
Joanne Donko
I was so sorry to hear about Tony.I worked with him for many years.We shared many stories and lots of laughs.Tony you will be missed.
October 27, 2023
Rose Abate-Dragonetti
My heartfelt condolences to all of Tony's family. Tony was a true gentleman. May you rest in eternal peace. ✝️✝️
October 27, 2023
Toni Ferrantone & Luis Barbosa
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Tony will always be remembered as a sweet helpful caring man. May he rest in peace.
October 27, 2023
Susan and Carmen Mancini
I’m heartbroken of the loss of Tony, Carmen and I worked with Tony for years especially Carmen he worked with Tony side by side. He truly was an amazing person, kind, caring and always ready to help and he always had a smile. Our sincerest condolences to the Estrela and Reis family, may the memories you shared together help you through this difficult time .
October 27, 2023
Donna Brinton
My deepest condolences to the family. I worked with Tony while I was in the Hamilton office and he was the guru in Health Care payment. If Tony did not know the answer he certainly would find out and get back to you. I always smile when I think of Tony. Tony was a very professional, caring and fabulous mentor. He was always so very kind and I am sure he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Rest in peace Tony!
October 27, 2023
Felicia Xerri
Sincere condolences to family and friends of Tony. He was so kind hearted. He will truly be missed.
October 27, 2023
Barb Paradowski
I worked side by side with Tony for many years. He was the kindest gentlest and most giving of people. I couldn't have asked for a better co worker. My condolences to his family as he will surely be missed.
October 27, 2023
Elizabeth Soares
My prayers are with you all to get you through this difficult time. Feeling grateful for all the encounters with Tony over the years where he showed kindness and love. I'll always have fond thoughts of him especially at the family picnics where he gave it his all on the soccer field. I could see how happy he was to be there with everyone. I also remember how happy he was to get out on the sailboat. Even though he was quiet he was always encouraging and generous. I hope you are all able to take comfort in your loving memories and knowing that he is in God's loving embrace.
October 27, 2023
Stacey Franchetto and Julia Liu
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of Tony. We worked with Tony on the Business Rules Team at WSIB. He was a great teacher with a phenomenal understanding of the logic in the business rules. He had a huge impact on our careers. Tony was an enthusiastic team member and was terrific at connecting and engaging people. He ran the divisional lottery tickets for many years. Tony had such a huge heart - at Christmas he collected to support children overseas and we had many conversations about the cats he fostered. Tony had such a big impact on us and has left many, many happy memories with us and others from WSIB. He is remembered with great fondness.
October 27, 2023
Michelle Bazouzi
Sincere condolences to family and friends of Tony. I worked with him many years ago, and he was a sweetheart. He will truly be missed by all who knew him 💔
October 27, 2023
Luis and Philomena Faria
Our sincerest condolences to the Estrela and Reis family, may the memories you shared together help you through this very difficult time . May god grant him eternal rest
October 26, 2023
Donna Cousins
So sorry to hear about Tony's passing! We worked together for many years! We would always have a good laugh at break time talking about Seinfeld! He was the best co-worker you could ever hope for! I will always carry him in my memory!
October 26, 2023
Chris Simcox
I’m heartbroken of the loss of Tony, I worked with Tony for years . He truly was an amazing person kind, caring and so helpful. He cared about people all people. I remember when Christmas came around we would razz him so what are you buying for your family his answer “ I don’t know my sister’s take care of that. I’m sure heaven is so lucky to be blessed with your presence. We here will just keep missing you
October 26, 2023
Imma Crowther
My condolences to Tony’s family. I worked with Tony. He was a very loving and caring person. He will be in my prayers and your family. I will miss his smile.
October 26, 2023
Jeff Gardner
My deepest condolences on the loss of Tony. He was my teacher, mentor, and colleague on the business rules team at WSIB. Tony was always willing to help, listen, and pass on his years of knowledge and expertise. We shared a lot of good times and laughs together over the years.
October 26, 2023
George and Doris Lai
We are so sorry for your loss.
October 26, 2023
John Briganti
My deepest condolences to the family. It’s a sad day for the Vermont Park boys that knew Tony and his family. My prayers are with you all. He will be missed.