It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and nonno, Alfonso De Luca, on March 16, 2025 at the age of 82, after a well-lived life, surrounded by his loving family.
Alfonso is survived by his loving wife, Pina of 47 years, and his children, Laura and husband John Fortino, and Carmine and wife Lisa De Luca. Proud and cherished Nonno of David, Neveah and Tessa Fortino and Adriano and Emma De Luca. Brother of Maria (Carlo Pacifico) of Montreal, Rita (Vincenzo Mari), Alfredo (Tania De Luca) and Ada (Paolo Lucchesi). Brother-in-law of Gabriele (Nancy Riverso), Concetta (late Frank Battaglia) and Anna (Tony Grieci). He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Hamilton, Montreal, Michigan, Donnici, Italy and Australia. He was predeceased by his parents Carmine and Laura (née Perrelli) De Luca and his in-laws Pietro and Mariangiola (née Maio) Riverso.

Alfonso was born in Donnici, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy on November 2,1942 to parents Carmine and Laura and immigrated primarily to Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1967 where he lived with his sister, Maria and her family, until 1969. He then moved to Hamilton where he began his career as a bricklayer for Local 1 Hamilton. In 1975, Alfonso returned to Donnici for his father’s funeral. He remained in his hometown for 6 months and then returned to Hamilton with his mother and youngest sister. He met his wife Pina in 1977, and they were married in 1978. They built a life filled with family and the traditions of his Italian heritage. He was a devoted bricklayer for 35 years and always instilled in his children the values of hard work, family, and the importance of their Italian roots and traditions.

He cherished spending time with his family, especially around his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. He loved sharing stories and laughter, and celebrating Italian holidays with homemade pasta, cheese, sauce and sausages. He also loved taking care of his amazing garden. If it was sunny out, Nonno would be in his garden from sunrise to sunset. He was known for his incredible homemade sausage and has proudly passed on this tradition to his son, Carmine and grandson, Adriano. He shares so many memories with all his grandchildren, the first of which is the sharing of his birthday with his first grandchild, David.

For the past 13 months, Alfonso resided at Macassa Lodge where staff and caregivers not only treated him as family but also provided him with very compassionate care. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the outstanding staff of Macassa Lodge in the C2 West Wing for their continuous support over the last year.

Visitation will be held at BAY GARDENS FUNERAL HOME, 947 Rymal Road East Hamilton, on Sunday, March 23rd from 4-8pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Margaret Mary Church, 20 Idlewood Ave, Hamilton, on Monday, March 24th at 10:30am. Entombment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Macassa Lodge, Staff Appreciation Fund, 701 Upper Sherman Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario, L8V 3M7 in his memory. The family has also set up a Go Fund Me Page where donations can be made and will be forwarded to the Staff Appreciation Fund at Macassa Lodge in Alfonso’s name. https://gofund.me/cf739dce

Rest in peace, Papà. You will be forever loved and remembered. Ripose in pace, caro Papà. Sei sempre nei nostre cuori.