On June 22, 2020 our beloved Settimio (Sam) De Simone passed away after a life well lived. Sam was born in Collebrincioni, L'Aquila, Italy and immigrated to Canada at the age of 7. He never forgot his Italian roots and celebrated a commitment to family that included remembrance of those who had gone before. After arriving in Canada, Sam was raised in Toronto by his Mother (Dora), Father (Roberto) alongside his two sisters Maria and Gail and his Brother Walter. Many years of beautiful memories were gathered at their two primary residences on 14 Geary Ave and 585 Queens Drive.
Sam had astounding energy and drive that served his entrepreneurial spirit well. Sam’s first business venture was a store called Robert’s Men’s and Boy’s Wear; and later he opened 2 locations of The Den for Men. He also started his own manufacturing facility of high-end men’s suits known as Sir Exclusives. From there he went into building homes in various locations in the Toronto and surrounding area; eventually building subdivisions in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lake Wannata Cove in Florida, and a high-rise in Guatemala City. Along the way, he started many other companies including Arch Overhead Doors, and a Gym (The American Institute of Health and Fitness). While in Las Vegas, Sam completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business.
At a young age Sam married Oksana (Susan Bystrakiwski) and they had three sons: Robert, Warren and Marcus. Sam and Susan worked as a team as Sam’s work took them to various locations. They returned to Richmond Hill, Ontario to be present for the arrival of Rob and Marah’s first child, Trinity. Sam began work at his son Rob’s company (True North Nutrition) as the CFO. Two more grandchildren arrived: Jonah and Lauren. In 2004, Sam stayed home to care for Susan. After 31 amazing years of marriage, sadly, Susan passed away from cancer in 2005.
Sam welcomed more beautiful grandchildren: Warren’s son Clayton and Marcus’s two daughters Oksana and Reilly. In 2010 Sam was fortunate to meet his next true love in Julia Kiessling. After 5 years together, Sam married Julia in 2015. Sam and Julia enjoyed many beautiful years together with family and friends.
Sam had a fierce love of life. He was an incredible and creative problem solver and a man of action. He will also be remembered for his well-told stories . But perhaps most of all, Sam will be remembered for his generous heart and his ability to connect with people. He made an impression on everyone he met. His love for his family had no bounds. He was a “rock” for many. He had amazing ways of working with people or situations to bring positive outcomes.
Sam fought a long battle with prostate cancer, and his strength, courage and positive determination is an inspiration to us all.
We encourage anyone who wishes to please leave a memory of Sam on the Virtual Guestbook for all to view and share.
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