GRUPPUSO, Salvatore - Age 91, of Toronto, ON died on July 8, 2020. He died peacefully at Pine Grove Long Term Care Facility, with his beloved wife, Pasqualina (nee Armata) and children Paul and Giovanna (Ian) by his side.
He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Christopher (Jen), Michelle, and Bianca; his sister-in-law Antonina Armata; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; along with a multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Pierina (Paolo) Maniscalco.
Salvatore was born in Salemi, Sicily, on January 1, 1929, to father Paolo Gruppuso and mother Giovanna Gruppuso (nee Leone). At the age of 11, Salvatore completed his education and began to help his father on the family farm. There he developed his lifelong passion for gardening.
In October 1957, Salvatore married Pasqualina and for the next two years, they spent much of their time in the country. In 1959, Salvatore and Pasqualina embarked on a new phase of their lives. In May 1959, they docked at Pier 21 in Halifax, NS, then hopped onto the train for Toronto. Salvatore and Pasqualina, settled with family in their early years in Canada.
Salvatore took whatever work he was able to get in order to support his growing family. In February 1961, Salvatore and Pasqualina welcomed their son Paolo (Paul). In June 1964, they welcomed their daughter Giovanna Maria (Joanne). In 1965, Salvatore and Pasqualina moved to Downsview, Ontario, where they raised their family, saw their children marry, and welcomed their grandchildren.
In failing health, both Salvatore and Pasqualina moved to Pine Grove LTCF in 2015/16. There they spent the last of their 62 years together, exemplifying the meaning of love and devotion to each other.
Salvatore was an avid gardener. He loved to grow his tomatoes for the fall tomato sauce making. His green thumb worked magic in his vegetable garden as well as the flowers beds. Salvatore was a quiet, gentle man who was always ready to lend a hand. He will be sorely missed by all.
Due to the current restrictions on gatherings, a private funeral service will be held for the immediate family. When permitted, a mass and celebration of his life will be held.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Pine Grove Long Term Care Facility for their love and attention to Salvatore’s care. They are our second family.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Alzheimer Society of Toronto or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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