We give thanks for the life of Elmo Colussi who passed away at home on Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 at the age of 91. He will be leaving behind his wife Silvana, as well as his children Louise (spouse Ron Gable) and Stephen (spouse Carmen Pelaez). Beloved Nonno to his grandchildren Francesca, Silvia, Monica, Mariana and Elena.
Elmo was actively involved in his support of the church, of Villa Colombo Charities, and of various organizations in Ontario and in Friuli, Italy. Of note are his years serving on I.S.C.A. (Interior Systems Contractors Association), his contributions to the formation of O.Y.A.P. (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) through the Ministry of Education, his tenure as Treasurer and then President of the Zoppola Social Club, and his long involvement with E.F.A.S.C.E. (Pordenonesi nel Mondo: Ente Friulano Assistenza Sociale Culturale Emigranti). In May of 2000 he was awarded a gold medal and diploma by the “Camera di Commercio Industria Artigianato e Agricoltura di Pordenone” for “Fedelta’ al Lavoro e al Progresso Economico”.
Elmo had many interests especially his passion for soccer. He very much enjoyed his garden, making wine, reading and remaining apprised of current events on all levels: political, social and cultural. His belief in the importance of education and lifelong learning was unwavering.
He will forever be cherished by his wife and children. Elmo will also always be remembered and deeply missed by his extended family, including his sister Flora, his sister-in-law Rina, his brother-in-law Bruno, his nieces and nephews here and abroad, as well as his numerous friends.
Memorial donations may be made to The Heart & Stroke Foundation, Sunnybrook Foundation or The Daily Bread Food Bank.
A Tribute to Dad
(Elmo Colussi – St. Philip Neri Church)
A heartfelt thank you to all the family and friends gathered here in the spirit of love and friendship for my father. Stephen and I are proud to honour our dad today but, since I am the chattier one of the two, I will be speaking. However, my words encompass us both.
The trajectory of our father’s life was far-reaching. In 1952 he left his birthplace of Zoppola, Pordenone aboard the ship called “The Atlantic”. Ten days later, on February 19th, he arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax, determined to find a better life. He had hope, good will, intelligence and strength in abundance. To quote my dad, he was always thankful he had come to such a land of opportunity.
His faith and the Church were an intrinsic part of his life. When the priest on the ship – who was also friulano – said mass each day, my father was his altar server. Back in Zoppola, he had been an altar server until the age of 16. When my brother and I were very young, growing up on Raven Rd., the capuchins of St. Philip Neri lived across the street. They were friends and often came to dinner. Dad attended the 8a.m Italian mass here at St. Philip every Sunday without fail until he was no longer able to do so.
My father criss-crossed Canada from Port Arthur, Ontario (which later amalgamated with Fort William to become Thunder Bay) to Trail, British Columbia, eventually settling in Toronto. What defined him then and throughout his life was his unparalleled work ethic, his moral integrity, his willingness to learn and his ability to face any challenge with positivity. Even near the end, with all the suffering he endured, he never once complained. He would say to me: “Take each day as it comes. Everything is going to be fine.”
As a family man, as a businessman and as a member of his community, a recurring thread emerges: he could always be counted upon. His word was his bond.
As a father, he provided stability and security together with much love, warmth and affection. He was a devoted family man. In my mother, he found his soulmate. She was his partner in life, in parenting and in business. He instilled many values in my brother and I, among them pride in our Italian heritage and in our friulian roots, respect, resilience and the importance of faith. I will so miss his vivacious presence, our countless conversations, and the animation in his voice as he recounted his many stories and historical anecdotes.
He was delighted to become a Nonno and maintained a keen interest in the lives and accomplishments of each of his granddaughters.
We give thanks to our dad for the legacy he has left us, for the wonderful memories and for providing a model of a life well-lived.
Anche se siamo addolorati per la perdita del nostro carissimo papà, ci rimangono numerosi bei ricordi. Era una persona affettuosa e generosa, ricca di valori, che si è sempre impegnata al massimo. In questo momento ci è di conforto “la certezza che le anime dei buoni sono fra le braccia di Dio”.
Riposa in pace, caro papà.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.delmorofuneralhome.com for the Colussi family.
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