Obituary of Vittorio Valentino Massari
Vittorio (Victor) Valentino Massari, C.E.T., G.S.C.
February 14, 1943 – November 1, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing, at home, in Smiths Falls, On, on November 1, 2024 of Victor Massari, aged 81.
Victor was born in (Comiso) Chieti, Italy to the late Francesco Massari and Francesca Nocchiero. He is survived by his adored sister Guiseppina (Pina) (late Umberto Scata) and predeceased by his brothers Nunzio (Aurelia) and Lanfranco (late Aurora).
He is survived by his loving life partner, Darlene Mather, fondly remembered by sister-in-law Gloria (late Kevin) with whom Victor had a very special bond, sister-in-law Beverly Mather, brother-in-law Larry Dunn. Also remembered by nieces and nephews, Matthew (Erin), Melissa, Sarah, Allan, Nicholas and Michaela and great nieces and nephews Brooklyn, Belle, Marshall, Daimion, Maddysen and Charlie, the extended family of the Mather, Stewart/Conroy Clan, the Dunn Family and Elaine (late Bob) Cameron Family.
Victor is also survived by his daughter Tanya, his son Mark, Joyce and nieces and nephews in Italy, Lucia, Valerio, Francesco, Annarita, and Sonia (Luca Liberto).
Victor will be fondly remembered by the Grant Family and Staff of Cornwall Gravel Co. Ltd., the (late Gordon/Norma) MacIntyre Family, the Bakker Family, the Cote Family, the (late) Barrie M. Wilson Family, neighbours and friends in Finch together with the wonderful Hogan Avenue neighbours in Smiths Falls. Also remembered by his loyal friend (un amico leale) Tony Agresta. Victor cherished the special relationships with his awe-inspiring Gloria; mentor, confidante and neighbour Gordie; patient ever-smiling Hans; ever patient and kind Barrie; of like mind Marcel D.; and neighbour, coffee buddy and dear friend Rich.
Victor arrived in Canada in 1966, landing in Toronto where he established himself in the construction business. He worked for Project Planning Associates Limited which included projects in New Brunswick, the Island of Barbuda as well as in Toronto and Kanata, Ottawa. He worked at Hugh M. Grant Ltd., which included projects in the City of Ottawa and Sturgeon Falls, Ontario; Beaver Asphalt (Ontario) and F. E. Johnston Drilling Co. Ltd. before moving to Cornwall Gravel Co. Ltd. as Project Manager and Estimator, included projects such as Highway 401 from Lancaster to the Quebec Border, Cornwall Brookdale Reconstruction, 10th Line Road, City of Ottawa, Johnstown Ethanol Plant and Town of Prescott Public Works Project, where he worked tirelessly for 29 years until retirement. Victor was well-liked and respected by co-workers, bosses and crew. He was hard-working and reliable. Victor was also known to climb into the sewer to help, sometimes even in a suit. He was so proud of his achievements and in particular receiving the recognition of the Half Century Award from The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering, Technicians and Technologists, along with the Canadian Construction Association Gold Seal Award as Project Manager and Estimator.
Victor and Darlene lived in Finch, just outside of Cornwall, until retirement and eventually moved to Smiths Falls. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand to a friend or someone he just met. He had a great sense of humour and was annoyingly cheerful in the morning which irritated his daughter to no end. He was smart and creative and no challenge went unaccepted. He taught himself to cook (famous for his Ravioli) and mastered the game of chess on line. Victor also had a lifetime passion for clocks and watches and was excellent at disassembling their inner workings and masterfully rebuilding them. Victor was always the life of the party, the dance floor was one of his favourite places, be it among friends, relatives and co-workers.
Victor always enjoyed his very special relationship with our fur babies, Abby and Bella. “She was not only a cat but she was human enough to be a great comfort in hours of loneliness and pain.”
Cremation has taken place with the Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.
For those who wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, CHEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, St. Martin de Porres (www.stmartindeporresottawa.com), or a charity of your choice.
“Possa tu riposare in pace.”
(May you rest in peace)
