Obituary of DONATO DIFINO

It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend on February 15, 2022 at the age of 78 years.

Donato leaves to cherish his memory, wife Teresa of 47 years, daughters Anna Difino (Joe Buccini) and Eleonora (Elly) Barnabe Difino (Brian Barnabe), grandchildren Sara, Maya and Adrianna, sisters Lina, Maria, Margerita (Nino), Tonia (Mimmo), brothers Guiseppe (Maria), Guillermo (Anna), Michele (Carmela), In-laws Gina, Maria & Nicola, numerous nieces and nephews in Italy and many close friends. He was predeceased by his parents Leonardo and Anna, brothers Vito and Franco and sister Grazia.

Donato was born in Noicattaro, Bari, Italy in 1943 and was one of 11 children. His family owned a café in Bari and that’s where he learned his craft of baking cakes, pastries and making gelato.

Donato immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1967 in pursuit of a better stable life. He worked in manufacturing as a woodworker at Acme Chrome Furniture for 41 years.

In 1975 at the glance of a photograph, he met the love of his life, Teresa. They met in person and were wed within 2 months.  They went on to have 2 daughters, Anna and Eleonora – they were his pride and joy. Donato and Teresa were married for 47 years and had an unbreakable love that most people only dream of but never actually experience.  They were inseparable and took great care of each other.

Donato did not have any hobbies, unless you consider loving his family deeply a hobby – the love he had for his family was admirable. Whether it was driving his daughters to one of their sporting events or driving to pickup his grandchildren from school, he was always available and dependable. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family, all they had to do was ask and he would always say yes.  Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Donato and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family. 

Donato passed away peacefully on February 15, 2022, with his family by his side at the Grace Hospital. The family thanks the staff on 3N unit, in particular Angela who was an angel throughout this difficult time.

A funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 22, at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Avenue, Winnipeg.  Viewing is at 10:00 a.m., eulogy at 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral liturgy. Due to the current pandemic restrictions, only fully vaccinated persons will be allowed to enter the parish (QR code and ID will be checked at the door). Please do not attend if you are experiencing any Covid symptoms. The funeral will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/1R5tOhoSPXo.  Burial will be located at the Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery immediately following the service.

In Donato’s memory, donations may be made to Canadian Liver Foundation or the Grace Hospital Foundation.