It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Benny Del Duca, an adoring husband, loving father and grandfather, and devoted son. He passed peacefully on March 4th surrounded by the love of his family who will all miss him for the rest of their lives.

Benny was born in Terelle, Frosinone, Italy on July 13th, 1938 to Alfonso and Michelangela. At the age of 20, he joined his father in Canada, in search of a better life. He brought with him the formal education he had acquired in Cassino and a fierce determination to succeed.

And succeed he did, by every measure that matters.

Three years after arriving, he met Margaret, the love of his life, at a Sunday evening parish hall dance, only a few weeks after she had emigrated from Scotland. And so, for them, began a journey together that would last for the next 63 years.

They married in July 1964, moved to Scotland not long after, and started their family a year later with the birth of Lorraine (Walter). Then four years after that came Mark (Nicole). Four years later, and after moving back to Canada, came Steven (Utilia). And then, improbably, twelve years after that came Michael (Amanda).

Benny will now be reunited with Michael who left us tragically and far too soon in 2018.

Benny was a strong-willed, determined, and competitive man, who never accepted that second-best was good enough. Not for himself or his kids. And he infused each of them with his indomitable spirit, for which they are all grateful (even if it occasionally aggravates their spouses and friends!).

His number one priority was always family. As tough as he might have been on the outside, there was an undeniably tender and sentimental aspect to his personality that those closest to him saw often. This was especially true once he became a doting Nonno to Alessandra (Jacob), Jennifer (Anthony), Emily, Sarah, Talia, Grace, Benjamin and Alexander.

He worked hard and excelled at a career in construction management, ultimately overseeing the building of multi-million dollar high-rise residential projects all over the GTA.

He earned a reputation for being knowledgeable and dedicated, and he was respected throughout the industry. He began his career in 1960 and retired in 2016 at the age of 78.

Benny had a great sense of humour enjoying episodes of M*A*S*H over and over again, never tiring of the same scenes and the same jokes.

He loved to cook and his specialties included lasagna, zucchini omelets and frionzola. And he was just as precise and attentive in the kitchen as he was on the job site.

He enjoyed music and was not shy about singing and dancing, with his tastes ranging from Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli to Neil Diamond and Lou Rawls.

He loved watching sports, from his own kids playing ringette, hockey and soccer right up to the Habs and Tiger-Cats, and almost everything in-between.

He was outgoing and friendly and was fond of chatting to people from all walks of life, whether at work, the grocery store or the bank.

The most important thing to remember about Benny Del Duca is that he was always there for us -- all of us -- and he never let us down.

It is very difficult to accept that this remarkable man who gave us so much has passed, and to know that we will never again hear him tell us how much he loves us, which he did so often.

Benny, Dad, Nonno...thank you for everything. We will always love you too.

Visitation will take place at the Vescio Funeral Home Woodbridge Chapel (8101 Weston Road) on Sunday, March 10th from 4pm to 9pm.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church (150 St. Francis Avenue, Woodbridge) on Monday, March 11th at 9:30am. Private interment to follow at Glendale Memorial Gardens.

The Del Duca family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Hospice Vaughan who cared for Benny in his final days. Please consider making a donation to this wonderful organization in his name (www.hospicevaughan.com)

Online Condolences at: www.vesciofuneralhome.com