Obituary

Surrounded by his family, João Gil de Freitas Abreu passed away peacefully on October 8, 2022 at the age of 81.  He will be forever missed by his loving wife, Olivia, and cherished by his children, Denny, Nelson (Sandra), Sonia (Kevin) and Jason (Linda).  Proud grandfather to Tyler, Cristiano and Norah, who brought him so much joy and who he loved with all his heart.

In 1958, at the age of 17, João immigrated to Canada from the town of Caniço, Madeira Portugal to be close to family and start a new life.  In 1968 he married his beautiful wife, Olivia, and together they raised four children and created a life filled with love.  As a young entrepreneur, in 1970 he started his own business, Abreu Refrigeration Ltd., where he provided employment to young professionals and proudly served the businesses in his community for 52 years.  He lived his life by example and instilled values of compassion, hard-work and celebration.

A pioneer in the Canadian Madeirense community and a friend to all, João is remembered for his leadership, dedication and kindness in everything and everyone he touched.  Known in the community as Sr. João Abreu, he was most loved by those who knew him as Tio Gil, Pai and querido marido.  He is remembered by his family for his unconditional love and support, and for empowering us to live fully, knowing he was always there to support us.

João is rejoined in heaven with his parents, Joaquim and Virgina Abreu, and siblings Veronica Quintal, Zita Ferreira, Jorge Abreu, Humberto Abreu, Agostinha de Nobrega, and Sidonio Abreu.  He will be held dear in the hearts of his family and many friends.

Rest in peace, Pai.  We will keep your beautiful memory alive, and we will continue to work at making you proud.  We love you so much.

In Loving Memory of our beloved João, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church either directly at the church or through the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Canadian Cancer Society

Archdiocese of Toronto

Visitation

Date
October 12, 2022
Location
Bathurst Chapel
Time
04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Service

Date
October 13, 2022
Location
St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church
Time
09:30 AM
Memo

Please be mindful to allow space for the funeral procession to park in front of the church

Burial

Date
October 13, 2022
Location
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
Time
11:30 AM
Memo

Arrival time is estimated and is subject to change without notice due to changing weather and road conditions.

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October 18, 2022
Debbie Piché
Sandra & Nelson, so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Sending prayers and condolences to your family, what a beautiful tribute you have written about him. May the good Lord bless you all and keep you safe. Debbie & Richard Piché
October 13, 2022
Sidonio, Elisabete, and Jacqueline Ferreira
Our deepest condolences to the whole family. He will always be remembered for his leadership, strength, and kindness. A great friend and family man. May God grant you all some comfort at this time.
October 12, 2022
Jason Ewart
Dear Nelson, Karine and I were so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. May memories of your dad provide you some comfort as you mourn his passing. Sending hugs and prayers your way. Jay.
October 11, 2022
Maria Manuel Baptista
My Deepest condolences sra Olivia and family .Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time .May he Rest In Peace .
October 11, 2022
Chris, Meri and Nicholas Zaicos
Our heartfelt condolences to the Abreu family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
October 11, 2022
Ivone and Manuel Gomes
Dear Sra. Olivia and family, we are deeply sadden to hear the passing of Sr. Joao. He was truly a kind and wonderful person. Please accept our deepest condolences. Sending you all a big hug. May he Rest in Peace. Amen.
October 11, 2022
Fernao &Connie Neves Family
To The Abreu Family. I want to express how Deeply sad and I am to hear about the loss of shoes wanna build here to me was a man who taught me a lot when I started in the ortho group he was the pillar of Madeira club and then I admired for his humblest his kindness and strength and leadership I will never be forgotten . Thank you for sharing him with us . My condolences to you to all. Thoughts and prayers. May god give you straight and courage on this difficult time and know that he is in a better place and one day we will see him again. Amen 🙏💔😢 which much gratitude thank you so much for your wonderful dad and father and husband
October 11, 2022
Joaquim e Felicidade Fernandes
saudades de um grande,amigo e de um grande( G ) senhor Abreu , e assim que ficamos,mais pobres na terra dos vivos,mas o ceu,vai se alegrar, com a sua alma,A sra dona olivia e dignissima famlia,filhos noras e netinhos as nossas,mais , sentidas saudades e condulencias, joaquim e Felicidade Fernandes
October 11, 2022
Fátima Sousa !!
Meus sentimentos para toda família ! Descansa em paz senhor João!
October 10, 2022
Firminio and Bernardette Poeira
We have been saddened to hear of the news. Our sincere deepest condolences to Sra Olivia and family on the loss of your beloved. May his years of dedication and efforts toward the Madeiran community always be remembered. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Abraco, do Firminio Poeira e familia
October 10, 2022
Sabrina Santoianni
Deepest condolences to The Abreu family. John will be deeply missed. Through marriage John became a part of our family. We will cherish every memory and hold him in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, The Santoianni Family
October 10, 2022
Joe DaSilva
Joe DaSILVA & Family is honoured and blessed to have known MR. João Abreu. He was truly a blessing in our life’s and we will miss him very much! Now, the angels rejoice as a good soul has finally made its way home! Our sincere sympathies to Sr. Olivia, Nelson, Denny, Jason, Sonia and all the family and Friends. May João Abreu Rest In Peace
October 10, 2022
Joana Abreu e família
Meu querido tio. Eterna saudade. Um grande abraço a toda a família
October 10, 2022
Samantha Vieira
My deepest condolences to the whole family. He was always a kind man. May his soul Rest In Peace 🌹🕊❤️
October 10, 2022
Sousa Family
My condolences to his wife and kids he was a man that had a heart of gold he always helped out a lot of people. RIP Sr John ❤️‍🩹🕊💔✝️
October 10, 2022
Gilda and Susan De Freitas Nobrega
Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to you dear Olivia and your family. This is the saddest news about a man who meant so much to our family. He will be greatly missed and will remain forever in our hearts. He will always be thought of in the highest regard. This is a great loss. Rest In Power Joao. xoxoxoxo
October 10, 2022
Austin Vieira-Ferreira
You will always be remembered. Rest in Peace!
October 10, 2022
Grace Vieira
Words can not even express the sadness and sorrow I felt upon hearing that Godfather had passed. 😢 The world lost an incredible man, that touched the lives of many. His memories will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to the whole family. My God help you all get through this difficult time. 💔 Rest In Peace Godfather! 🙏🏻