JOE ZENTIL

ZENTIL, JOE It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joe Zentil aged 89, at his home in King City, Ontario on April 23, 2018. Joe was born on March 12, 1929 to the humble but happy home of his parents Agostino and Luigia Zentil in Azzano Decimo, Italy, and would welcome the addition of his only sibling, Dino, the following year. Joe, his parents and his brother sailed from Genoa to New York City on February 11, 1948. They eventually made their way to Canada via Fort Erie on February 13, 1948. Joe was proud of his Italian heritage but often remarked that one of his happiest days was the one on which he arrived to his new home as a "naturalized Canadian." Joe's keen work ethic and determination were a perfect match for the burgeoning City of Toronto in the early 1950s. Within a couple of months Joe became a plumbing apprentice before eventually receiving his Master Plumber licence in 1954. During this period he also studied accounting, physics, and drafting at Harbord Collegiate Institute at night to round out his education. His plumbing company was a one-man show to start, but would grow to 35 employees by 1956 and 250 by 1966. In the 1970s, Joe Zentil Plumbing & Heating was considered one of the largest mechanical contracting companies in Canada, with over 400 employees. He continued to operate his company until 2010. It was during the early 1950s that he fortuitously met the love of his life, Wanda (who unfortunately predeceased him in 2016), while working on a house on the same street as hers. They married at St. Mary of the Angels on Dufferin St. on July 11, 1955. They raised 3 children: Garry (deceased 2012), Dianna and Paul (Jutta). If you were to ask Joe what gave him the most pleasure, he would have said his family without question. He was extremely proud of his children and especially proud of his grandchildren, Olivia (Matt), Erica (Anthony), Joey, Armand, Jens, Calla, Maxine and Estelle, as well as his great-grandchildren, Joseph and Julian. In the early years of building his business Joe worked long hours during the week, but every Friday night Joe and Wanda and their family would go to their farm in King City to spend wonderful weekends entertaining family and many cherished friends. Joe was a natural-born entrepreneur, which led to his involvement in many successful businesses. He was a prominent land developer and builder of industrial, commercial, and residential developments over the last 64 years. He was a founding partner and active participant of Mayfair Clubs of Canada and had a profound effect on the development of tennis in Canada. He was also a founding partner of Eagles Nest Golf Club in Vaughan, Ontario, which is considered one of the country's top 20 public golf courses. Joe was fondly remembered this week by a family friend: "With over 50 years of friendship I always admired and respected your dad the most. He lived his life on his own terms. He defined the perfect lifestyle balance between work, leisure, family and friends. We could all learn from his approach and enthusiasm for life. I'm sure you could not be more proud and humbled by your father's success and leadership." Our family will treasure the many memories of this giant of a man who touched so many people in the community. Dad, Nonno, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will always love you and never forget you. Obituary written by Paul and Jutta Zentil and Dianna Gerardi and families.