Raffaele “Ralph” Cesario, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9th, 2020 at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. Raffaele is survived by his devoted wife Ida, his loving son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Jessica and his two adoring grandsons, Ethan and Oliver. Raffaele was predeceased by his much-loved daughter Vincenza in 2018.

Raffaele was born on February 2nd, 1934 in Montalto Uffugo, Calabria, Italy to Giorgio and Vincenza Cesario. Raffaele trained as a barber in Italy. After immigrating to Canada in 1960, he owned and managed barber shops and salons throughout the GTA. Raffaele met the love of his life, Ida in Toronto and they married in 1964.

Raffaele had a love for winemaking, which was inherited from his father. He was an avid Formula 1 fan, and loved to travel. He and Ida took many memorable trips around the world. To Raffaele, nothing was better than enjoying great food and wine with friends and family.

Raffaele always taught the importance of kindness, honour and respect to his children and also to his two grandsons. He often shared with them the lessons and anecdotes that he had learned from his own father in Italy and was often heard beginning these lessons using the words “my father always said…” Raffaele’s kindness was infectious and people were drawn to his welcoming nature. He often made instant friends out of those that he would meet.

Unfortunately, there will be NO VISITATION OR OPEN MASS due to the current COVID-19 restrictions and case numbers. A celebration of life will follow post-COVID.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.