Gary Claude Graziano Restani – November 29, 1946 to January 27, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Restani on January 27, 2022 with his wife and son at his side after a long battle with cancer.
Devoted husband of 52 years to Karen. Beloved father to Jeff and adored father-in-law to Sara. Extremely proud Nonno to Ellie and Cole. Loved and missed by his sister Alida Tursi and mother-in-law Mitch Horricks. He leaves behind a large extended family in Canada and Italy, and innumerable deep friendships that span decades and continents.
Born in Borgo val di Taro, Italy in 1946, Gary, his parents, and sister settled in Montreal, QC in 1952 where he attended Mary Mount High School. His intelligence, charisma, and drive propelled him through a remarkable career in biotechnology before retiring in 2015. He continued to sit on numerous Boards so others could continue to benefit from his vast knowledge and experience.
His path was made more fulfilling as it was shared with the love of his life Karen (née Mitchell). They journeyed from Montreal to Burlington, to St. Albert, AB; Fort Wayne, IN; Yardley, PA; Mountain View, CA; Hilton Head, SC; and eventually back home to Burlington. They shared a partnership and love that endured changes, challenges, and joys, travelling the world together, enjoying wine and golf, Motown and dancing. Their son Jeff brought immense happiness to Gary, the two of them always striving to make each other proud. With family being such a vital part of who Gary was, it was no surprise to anyone that he became the most doting of grandfathers when Jeff and Sara welcomed Ellie and Cole.
An avid sports fan throughout his whole life, Gary played, watched, and followed it all. Starting out as a hockey player, over the years you could find him coaching Jeff’s baseball and soccer teams, playing softball, cheering in the stands at football games, keeping up with the Habs, the Jays, and everything NFL, and of course, golfing. Golf was his passion – learning the game, perfecting it, talking about it, sharing it with others. To know Gary was to know his love of golf.
More than anything, Gary lived his life to the fullest. He loved unconditionally, laughed loudly, and hugged tightly. He will be missed beyond measure.
Thank you to Dr. McCarthy and Dr. Park at Joseph Brant, Dr. Ellis at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, and all the support staff for their care and compassion.
A celebration of life will be scheduled for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Canadian Cancer Society
KidSport Ontario
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gary Claude Restani Thursday January 27th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario
To Karen,Jeff and family. My sincerest condolences to you on your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Gary at ConvaTec and staying connected with him for over 20 years. He was a wonderful leader of people and a personal mentor to me and he left a lasting impact on people around him. His smile lit up the room and he always had a positive attitude no matter the situation. Gary would always reach out to me every year, mostly at Christmas, as he did again this year and I looked forward to that call. He sounded upbeat as usual. I will miss his friendship and guidance. I will truly cherish my memories of him. Nino Pionati