Obituary
DONALD TRUSCELLO
1945-2024
Don Truscello was born in Toronto to Vincent and Mary Truscello (neé Capito) and died in TGH on March 23 after more than two years of stoically facing off against three cancers. Throughout his overwhelming challenges he remained positive, patient, and determined, always drinking from the glass half-full.
He is survived by his soulmate of 40 years, wife Brenda, his brother Tony (Val), sister Josie (Hal), in-laws Carrie (Dan) and Bill (Kim), their families, and his aunt Catherine.
After obtaining his Masters in English Literature at St. Mike’s UofT, he taught with the Scarborough Board of Ed. sharing his love of literature and the value of critical thinking. He coached hockey as well, a lifelong passion from his childhood days when he and Tony would watch the Leafs from the standing room area in the Gardens. After retiring, he played with Scarborough Sr’s for many years, relishing the friendships and change room quips until Covid hit. He watched the Leafs faithfully to the end, his delight in a good goal never waning.
He had a sharp wit and generous sense of humour. He read widely, with a profound intellectual curiosity. He was a dedicated TIFF member from its inception up to Covid, faithful to the archaic hard copy catalogue. Over the years, he wrote, played bridge, and skied, while fitting in Continuing Ed courses at St. Mike’s. He loved standardbred horses. He loved dogs, especially Toy Manchester Terriers. And he relished quiet time with choral and classical music (“Wouldn’t you just die for Mahler?”), and celebratory sipping of good vino. For years he enjoyed his volunteer job as dishwasher at St. Peter’s Winter Welcome Table.
Warm thanks to Dr. Keith Stewart @ PMH, to the dedicated care teams of the UHN, and to our wonderful, supportive families, friends and neighbours. A memorial mass will be held later.
To honour Don, any charity is perfect, he gave to many, or simply sip a half-full glass and remember him. Take the time to do what you love to do, he would say, “Take your time.”
Online condolences and memories may be sent to: www.cardinalfuneralhomes.com
