JOSEPH DOMINIC MICHAEL SORBARA

JOSEPH DOMINIC MICHAEL SORBARA, Q.C., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Family Day, February 17th, 2025, in his 82nd year. Joseph was predeceased by his parents Sam and Grace (2001) and his son, Samuel (1972). He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Antoinette (née Memme) and by his children Paul (Isabelle), Julia (Mark) and Thomas (Jessica). He was a proud and loving grandfather (Nonno) to Sienna, Massimo and Leonardo. Born to Italian immigrant parents, Sam and Grace Sorbara, and sibling to Edward, Marcella and Gregory, Joseph grew up and spent his life in Toronto, a city that he would later help shape through many contributions of time, energy and funding to several philanthropic, academic and business organizations. To name a few, Federal Trust Company, Dominion Trust Company, Multilingual Television Toronto Limited, OMNI television, the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation, Humber College, York University, York Foundation, York University Development Corporation, University of St. Michaels College Foundation, Rotary Club of Black Creek, York Finch General Hospital, Ontario Advisory Council on Multiculturalism, ItalCanadian Professional Academy, Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thompson Hall, and The Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In recognition of his years of service, Joseph received several accolades including: a Doctor of Sacred Letters, honoris causa, University of St. Michael's College (2006), the honour of Commendatore dell' Ordine della Stella della Solidarieta Italiana (2008), Doctor of Laws, York University (2010), and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012). After attending St. Michael's College High School, Joseph studied literature at the University of Toronto and obtained a Law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. He later opened his own law firm, Tanzola & Sorbara (T&S), with his brother-in-law, Joseph Tanzola. During his time at T&S, Joseph provided counsel and legal services to much of Toronto's business community, including his father's real estate business, the Sorbara Group. Joseph eventually left the practice of law to co-run the Sorbara Group with his brother, Edward. In addition to being a revered businessman and mentor, Joseph was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend and philanthropist. Joseph led "Joes Joggers" from the Granite Club to successfully complete two full marathons in the 1980s. He, Antoinette, Julia and Tommy enjoyed friends and weekends on board five versions of his powerboat "Andiamo" at the Island Yacht Club. Joseph set an example to be generous, compassionate and honest. If you knew Joseph, you were always welcome at his table, where his zest for relationships and social connection would shine. You would likely be welcomed with a delicious meal courtesy of Antoinette, a glass of wine, and some nuggets of wisdom. Joseph cherished these special moments of table conversation, whether it was in providing counsel, or simply sitting at the head of his table watching his friends and family experience joy in their togetherness. In an act to remind us to live more presently, Joseph left us with some of our favourite words of wisdom in an address to the 2010 St. Michaels Spring convocation. We hope those who remember Joseph will honour his memory in keeping some advice that he valued in their thoughts. "The big moment never comes, it is always around the corner and if it is what we wait for in life to act, it demeans the rest of our life. We will accomplish more if we consider the big moment as a bonus for the activity of continually appreciating the value of and the meaning of the smallest things." We would like to extend a special thank you to Joseph's family doctor, Dr. Noah Forman, Dr. Mojgan Hodaie (UHN) and those who attended to many years of his care with loyalty, love and respect-Fatima, Rose, Carmen, Shirley, Gloria and Mari. Visitation will be held at St Basil's Catholic Parish (50 St. Joseph Street, Toronto) on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. Private family interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received to support Dr. Mojgan Hodaie and the neurosurgical diagnostics and brain imaging research she leads at the Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN. To donate, please visit UHNfoundation.ca/tribute or call 416-603-5300. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.