Milton has lost a beacon of enterprise and community spirit.
Angelo De Medicis, the former owner of Milton Home Hardware, passed away on May 1, leaving behind his wife of 39 years — Vincenza — and two sons.
He was 65.
It was in 2001 that Angelo and Vincenza took over the long-standing hardware store at 385 Steeles Ave., originally established in 1964 as McKim Hardware. The store remains as a fixture in town.
In his obituary, Angelo was remembered by family for his “big smile,” playful sense of humour and captivating storytelling. An avid cyclist who loved travelling, he was a steadfast friend and mentor to many.
Among the online tributes, Daniel DeMelis shared that Angelo “always made time and took interest in others. I will always remember him as a great man,” while Connie Nieto said: “Angelo was a generous, kindhearted and funny man who made everyone happy.”
Friend and local business owner Angelo Posteraro told MiltonToday that Angelo “truly was one of a kind.”
“Angelo and I used to joke that he was Angelo #1 and I was Angelo #2, but I could never take that title from him even though he tried to give it to me. He was always Angelo #1 in my eyes,” Posteraro said.
Describing Angelo as “an amazing person who always put others before himself,” Posteraro also remembered him as a generous philanthropist and successful businessman.
“The world has lost a great soul,” he said.
Visitations will take place at the Vescio Funeral Home Woodbridge Chapel at 8101 Weston Rd. on Monday, May 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, May 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 8, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church. Entombment to follow at Westminster Cemetery (on Bathurst St., north of Finch Ave. in North York).
Donations in Angelo’s memory can be made to the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer.