Obituary of Mr. Joseph Polito
It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Joseph Polito, of Scarborough, Ontario. Joe passed away at home on July 20, 2023 at 86 years of age. He was born in Toronto on January 8, 1937 to Giuseppe and Antonina Polito and grew up surrounded by his 4 sisters. Joe was an Industrial Electrician for 43 years (Howard’s Electric, Leslie Electric), but he was always kept busy wiring the homes and cottages of family and friends. Joe was also an avid skier, a boater, paddler and general outdoorsman. His teenage boy scout spirit sparked many adventures travelling, camping, skiing and boating with friends and his family. Joe’s favourite activity was downhill skiing on weekends at Skyloft Ski Club, on numerous trips to Western Canada, USA and Europe with friends, and as a guide for blind skiers with the Hawks Ski School for 27 years.
Joe is survived by his partner Andrea Shaw, her children Ryan, Chris (Lisa) and Valerie, and grandchildren Riann, Belle, Dechlan and William. He is greatly missed by his daughter Anastasia, son Joe (Kristen) grandchildren Kiara and Jake, and son Brendan. As well as his sisters Josephine O’Hara and Marie Lavin (Peter) plus many nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by his 1st wife Mary Catherine Kirby (Polito), his 2nd wife Anne Marie Quinn, and is fondly remembered by his stepdaughters Claire, Donna (Bill) and Adele (Gustavo), and grandchildren Emma, Joshua, Alex, Ben, Lucas and Anouk. Joe is also pre-deceased by his sisters Lena Cusimano and Providence Gibbons, his parents Giuseppe and Antonina Polito, and his dear niece Angie Kirby-Donavan.
Joe, Papa Joe, Grandpa Joe had a positive effect far and wide on family, friends, co-workers and his community. He was thoughtful and generous with everyone. He was part of a long standing neighbourhood group in Scarborough and the trailer/cottage community at Buckhorn Narrows. Joe cherished his neighbours deeply and fostered meaningful, long lasting relationships with them. We particularly thank Diane and Delmas, and Karen and Steve for their attentive care and regular food packages that Joe enjoyed so much. Joe met many of his best friends in Boy Scouts and they have been close, lifelong friends ever since. He was a deeply caring soul and contributed regularly to his community, donating both his time and electrical skills. Joe retired at 65, and over the last 25+ years has dedicated much of his time to the Hawks Ski School and Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre in Oshawa. Joe will be remembered for his huge smile and he would want to remind you that he always looked younger than his years and still had hair on his head.
Visitation for Joseph Polito is Sunday, July 30th 3-6 pm at Ogden Funeral home, 4164 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough, ON. M1S 1T3, with a service honouring Joe on Monday July 31st 10:30 am. A reception will follow the service from 12-2:30 pm at the Guild Inn Estate, 201 Guildwood Pkwy, Scarborough. Joe will be laid to rest at Groveside Cemetery, 5155 Baldwin St. S. in Whitby.
Donations in honour of Joe’s life and giving nature can be made to Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre https://hearthplace.org/
