Death Notices

Description:
De BENEDICTIS, John With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of John De Benedictis, at age 44, surrounded by his family, at home on September 14, 2008, after a valiant two and a half year battle with cancer. Loving husband of Tiziana and devoted father to Anthony and Luca. Dear son of Mariano and Laura De Benedictis and cherished son-in-law of Concetta Valeri and the late Antonio Valeri. Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Emily De Benedictis, Loreto (Mike) and Karen De Benedictis and Patrizia and Vince Tortis. Adored uncle of Michael, Daniel and Patrick. Beloved nephew of Angelo and Ethel Lombardi and Nadia and Andrea Giammarco. John was proud to be a firefighter with the Oakville Fire Department for the last twelve years. He was a great believer in community service and gave much of his time volunteering with the BYSC and as a coach and volunteer at St. Raphael's School, John was honoured to be voted BYSC "Coach of the Year" for 2 years in a row. He was a talented musician who played many instruments and he has passed on his passion to his own children. During the course of his illness, John was a source of great courage, strength and above all, faith. He lived each day to the fullest and will be remembered as an example of determination and perseverance by his sons. Special thanks to Patrizia and Vince Tortis, Mike De Benedictis, Michelle and Sam Pinciaro, Andrew Lee, Ian Robertson, Chris Porter and Tomm Peterdy for their unwavering support and unconditional love. John will be missed by many family and friends in Canada, the U.S.A. and Italy. The family would like to thank Drs. Knox and Horgan of PMH and Dr. T. Durcan for their kind assistance, Teri Smith of Comcare for her compassion and dedication to John in his final days and Friar Maurice Richard and Sister Rosalie Siegler for their comforting words and prayers. Visitation to take place at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one block north of QEW) on Tuesday from 6-9 p.m., and Wednesday 3-5 and 7-9 p.m., prayer service on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church, 4072 New Street, Burlington on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 10 a.m. Entombment at Our Lady of Victory Mausoleum, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Burlington. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family www.smithsfh.com God be with you, John, until we meet again.
Date Posted: 2008-09-16