Leonardo Conforti

Leonardo Conforti, 87, passed away on June 23rd, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario.

Son of the late Gaspare Conforti, and the late Arcangela (Stellato), he was born August 27, 1936 in Rende, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy. He travelled to Melbourne, Australia in 1957 to build a foundation for his family to immigrate there. In 1960, his family then decided to move to Toronto to establish a better future in Canada. Soon after, he met the love of his life, Maria Ruffolo, daughter of the late Giuseppe Ruffolo and Francesca (Plastina), and married on July 1, 1961 surrounded by family and friends. They soon grew their family with the births of their three children. Over the years, he advanced his skills as a highly specialized welder, and in 1980, he co founded his own welding repair business, City Wide Welding, in partnership with his brothers. His business thrived as he worked hard everyday to ensure his family was well taken care of. As he slowly transitioned to retirement, he spent countless hours doing all the things he loved, gardening, crafting wine and cured meats, upkeeping his home, spending time with his family and helping others with anything they needed.

He was preceded to heaven by his parents and his sister Teresa De Rango and husband Gennaro and brother Francesco Conforti survived by wife Giuseppina. He is greatly missed by his wife of 62 years, Maria; their children: David Conforti and wife Valerie (Macioce), Louis Conforti and wife Dennise (Morrone), Lisa Conforti and husband Nick Cuddemi; seven grandchildren: Samantha La Porta and husband Michael, Sabrina Conforti and husband Marcus Sibley, Alexa Conforti and partner Asbrand Weekes, Callie Conforti and partner Brian Torrinha, Victoria Conforti-Cuddemi, Thomas Conforti-Cuddemi, Leonardo Conforti; two great-grandchildren Mattias Sibley, Lenore La Porta; sisters Anna Plastina and late husband Rosario, Antonietta Salandra and husband Roberto; brother Carmen Conforti and wife Beatrice as well as many, many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Leonardo was a deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, godfather, cousin, brother, and friend. His passing was sudden and unexpected but quick, just like he always hoped it would be.

While we lost our most cherished husband, dad and nonno, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, a master of innumerable skills and talents, fiercely loyal, extremely generous, hard-working and humble. There was so much more to him than just a husband, dad, and nonno, though to us that was his greatest role.

We invite you all to share memories of Leonardo. It was his wish that we smile, reminisce, and have a glass of wine together during this time.

As a way to honour Leonardo, in lieu of flowers, we are kindly asking for contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in his memory.