In the early morning hours of March 15th, 2024, a kind, gentle, loving husband, father, nonno, and bisnonno, passed away peacefully at home in his chair watching the sunrise. It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Dino Domenico Buttazzoni, at the age of 95. Dino was born on March 10th, 1929, in San Daniele del Friuli, Udine, Italy. After serving time in the army, Dino made the long voyage to Fort William, ON, to be with his brother Tony. Shortly afterwards, Dino was joined by the love of his life, Alma Zuliani. Dino and Alma were married on March 26th, 1955, and enjoyed 69 wonderful years of marriage together and had two sons, Manlio and Dennis.
Employment was hard to find at first, and days before leaving for Australia to look for work an opportunity arose at Kam Motors. Dino enjoyed 34 years there making many lifelong friends, some being Ron, Ray, Sam, Jim, Ann, Joe, and many others, too numerous to mention. He held many roles in the body shop, and quickly became the person everyone would say, “go see Dino.” However, his favourite role was playing Santa Claus for the children’s Christmas parties. Being employed at a Cadillac dealership, Santa always arrived in style. But one year he arrived driving down Leith Street on a three-wheeler ATV. The children were thrilled and a chuckle was had by all.
Dino was well-known and respected in the automotive industry, which led him to one of his proudest achievements, starting his own business with his two sons. It was fittingly named Dino’s Auto Body. He enjoyed working there every day and having conversations with everyone that came in. As time passed, he shortened his work hours so he could spend time with his granddaughter, Ashly. Whether it was taking her to and from school, going to the park to kick the ball around, or going for an ice cream, he made sure he enjoyed every moment.
Dino had many enjoyments in life, some of which included fishing, hunting, and family picnics at Lake Lenore with his brother Tony and Lena, nieces Louisa and Silva, along with friends. Later on, he enjoyed spending time at the family camp at Lake Shebandowan. He also enjoyed working in his garden, pulling weeds, cultivating the earth, and watering the vegetables and flower beds. Dino always made sure his house and yard were kept immaculate.
Dino and his wife loved to travel, mainly to visit family and friends in Italy, Australia, and Sudbury. They were able to explore Canada by travelling to Fogolàrs Conventions with friends from St. Thomas. As winters became longer and colder, or so they said, they decided to shorten the season by travelling to Florida and later to Hawaii, quickly realizing Hawaii was their favourite winter getaway and enjoyed spending many winters there.
Dino will be remembered and dearly missed by his wife, Alma, his sons, Manlio and Dennis, granddaughter Ashly (Connor) and great-granddaughter Lina. He is survived by his brother Ennio (Guiliana), sister Dina Bin, brothers-in-law Mario Zuliani (Ivana), Renzo Zuliani (Joy), and sister-in-law Lisetta Zuliani, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews in Canada, Italy, and Australia.
Dino was predeceased by his parents Davide and Elisa, in-laws Vittorio and Santina Zuliani, sister Santina Battellino, brother Antonio Buttazzoni, sisters-in-law Filomena Buttazzoni, Tina Pidutti, and brothers-in-law Giuseppe Battellino, Ordorico Bin, Enrico Pidutti and Iliano Zin, and infant brother Ennio.
A special thank you to Dr. Reid and Dr. Nelson for your home visits and the superior care you provided over the years. Thank you to Dr. Akbari for the time you spent with Dino over the past two months. Also, thank you to the staff of TBRHSC Emergency Department, to the nurses of 2B for your care, and especially to Andrea, for your compassion and making sure Dino was always comfortable. Thank you to the first responders and EMS paramedics. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Constable McEachern and Constable Stanisz, for your compassion and help so Alma could say her final goodbyes to her beloved husband.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass in St. Agnes R.C. Church at 1:00 pm, celebrated by Rev. James Panikulam. A private entombment to follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
Online condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
