Surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, beloved husband, father and Nonno, Italo Le Donne, passed peacefully into his heavenly home after a very courageous battle with cancer.


Born in Ateleta, Italy, on May 16, 1949, Italo came from humble beginnings. He immigrated to Canada in 1968 to follow the love of his life, Nina, and together they built a robust and fulfilling life grounded in hard work, loyalty and resilience. True soulmates, they celebrated 57 years of marriage together and created many wonderful memories.


Family meant everything to Italo. He was affectionately known as “Paba” and was proud of his children Dino (Freda), Barbara (David), Tanya (Glen), and Dony (Jennifer) and was blessed with four beautiful grandchildren: Gabrielle, Bridget, Claire and Alyssa. His love for his family was deeply rooted and immeasurable – there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them, and they will miss him immensely. He was also blessed with four step-grandchildren Andrew (Mary), Laura (Lino), McKenna and Owen. He was predeceased by his father Onorato, mother Elisa, brother Bruno, father-in-law Amedeo, mother-in-law Rosa, sister-in law Ida, and granddaughter Lauren. He is survived by his sister Iva (Giuseppe) and many wonderful nieces, nephews and godchildren.


Italo enjoyed a long career at The Ford Motor Company as a Mechanical Millwright and in his spare time he could be found playing a round of golf, reading a book or watching a nature documentary. He loved to travel, take his wife dancing and spend time on his deck watching the sunset. He was ever the jokester, enjoyed hearing other people’s bad jokes and had an unhealthy appreciation for all things Looney Tunes, especially Bugs Bunny!


The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all the health care professionals at Juravinski Cancer Centre, St. Joseph’s Hospital, General Hospital, St. Peter’s Palliative Care Hospital, the Personal Support Workers who provided great care for him at home, and to all the EMTs that assisted in their times of need.


A visitation will be held at Bay Gardens Funeral Home at 947 Rymal Road East in Hamilton, on Sunday, December 28th, from 4pm-8pm.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 29th from 10am-11am at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, 714 King Street West in Hamilton, followed by an entombment at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery at 11:30am at 254 Garner Road West in Ancaster.


We ask that you remember Italo not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and invite you to celebrate his memory over a shared meal. A lunch reception will be held at the funeral home (947 Rymal Road East) from 12:30pm-2:30pm following the entombment.


In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, Juravinski Cancer Centre, or St. Peter’s Hospital.