Pasquale Misciagna

Pasquale Misciagna, a dedicated and loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on September 19th, 2024 at the age of 94. He was born to Nicola Misciagna and Laura Rizzi on November 21st, 1929 in the small town of Binetto , Bari, Italy. 

He leaves behind his devoted wife Grazia (nee Loiacono) with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. He also leaves behind his three beloved daughters: Laura (Jim), Anna (Dave) and Vittoria (Dean), as well as his cherished grandchildren Brianna and Deanthony. He is predeceased in death by his siblings Anna (Mingucio), Giovanni (Margherita) and Andrea (Maria). He is survived by his brother Lorenzo (Cecilia) and many nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy.

Love brought Pasquale to Canada in 1959. Immigrating to another country was no easy feat, but Pasquale was a very hard worker and always had multiple jobs. Pasquale was a carpenter by trade and put his hands to good use. During his early years in Canada, Pasquale used his carpentry skills to build furniture for companies’ full time, while building pool tables and foosball tables on the side and renting them out to establishments in Toronto. He was actually the pioneer who introduced foosball to Toronto.

Ten years after being in Canada, Pasquale decided to take a risk and opened up his own pool hall on the Danforth, naming it “Victoria Billiards”. Pasquale, along with his wife Grazia, worked long hours seven days a week. The billiards became a popular spot and was a second home to many young Italian men and teenagers. Pasquale and Grazia were generous and helped their customers out when they were in need. Whether it was lending them his car, helping them start their own business, or giving them a place to sleep, Pasquale and Graziella were people they could always turn to.

Pasquale’s happy place was his cottage. He always had a project on the go including tending to his vegetable garden. He loved it when people came to the cottage. It didn’t matter who came over, whether it was family, his friends or his daughters’ friends, he loved to sit, share a meal and be amongst people. The Misciagna’s welcomed everyone, no advance notice needed. 

Pasquale was a man always on the go. Up until 90 years of age, Pasquale was taking the bus and subway down to the Danforth every single day, even through snow storms! There he would walk fair distances and hang out amongst friends at a cafe. At 93 years of age, he was walking to the mall (3 long blocks away from home), every day, sometimes twice a day! 

Pasquale was an optimistic man. He absolutely loved living at “Woodhaven”, the long-term care facility where he lived his final 6 months. He participated in all the activities and gave daily hugs to the recreation worker. Staff adored him. They loved his gentle and easy-going nature. He was so grateful to be living there and was always thanking the staff for all they did for him.

 Pasquale made an impact on all who met him and will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory to Pasquale to the SickKids Foundation

Visitation will be held at Westminster Funeral & Reception Centre (5826 Bathurst St. between Finch and Steeles on the west side), located on the grounds of Westminster Cemetery, it is the first building on your left. The family will receive guests on Friday September 27, 2024 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The Funeral Service will be held in the Trillium Chapel of Westminster on Saturday September 28, 2024 at 10:00am with entombment to follow at Westminster Cemetery.