Ottavio Marotta

Died peacefully, age 84, in Toronto on January 25, 2018, with his family close at his bedside following a sudden illness. Loved by his wife Maria Candida (nee Santoro) and his children, Giovanni (Josephine), Rosemary (Kevin), and grandchildren Sebastian, Olivia and Maximilian. Loved by his brother Alfredo (Gina), sisters Ines (Michele) and Irma (Esterino, deceased), and many nieces and nephews. He joins his brothers Mario (Carmela), Julian (Lina, deceased), Septo, and sister Sexta, and his parents Emilia and Giovanni Battista who predeceased him.

Ottavio, the youngest of 8 children, arrived with his sister Ines to Halifax’s Pier 21, in 1951, hoping to find a better life in Canada. Many years later he would marry Maria Candida, who left Italy to come to Canada. Together, they worked hard to raise a successful family stressing education and making the most of the opportunities of this new country.

As a prominent men’s hairstylist for over 60 years, Ottavio ran De Santis Barbershop, one of north Toronto’s most popular hair cutting establishments. He loved cutting hair and took great joy talking with people from all walks of life. At the shop, he enjoyed discussing issues with Cabinet Ministers, businessmen, professionals, construction labourers, and sports legends. He remembered Tim Horton as a friend and customer, not a coffee shop. Ottavio was fiercely independent and admired watching Toronto grow from east to west and north to south, driving until September of 2017.

Ottavio, with his wife Maria Candida, laid a foundation that gave their children opportunities they never had. In 1992, he was honoured with the 125th Anniversary Confederation of Canada Medal awarded to Canadians who are deemed to have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, their community and Canada. He found that better life he hoped for in 1951 and, though saddened with his leaving us, we wish to celebrate that life. Ottavio is remembered by his family and close friends as a caring and giving person who enjoyed the company of all friends, family and strangers.

Thank you to Ted Zhang and the Canadian Benevolent Association of Ontario Day Program staff, and Drs. Del Rizzo & Mallia for their excellent care; and a special thanks to Dr. Rajin Mehta and the staff at Sunnybrook Hospital for their care in his last week.

Visitation will be held on Thursday February 1, 2018, at Ward Funeral Home, Woodbridge Chapel, from 4 – 9 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Bond St., Toronto, on Friday February 2, 2018, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calabrian Benevolent Association of Ontario, the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Foundation- Senior’s Program or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.