On January 4th 2024, Mario Verbanac passed away surrounded by loved ones at Brampton Civic Hospital. Mario was 85 years old and lived a beautiful and full life. Beloved son of the late Maria and Anselmo Verbanac, he was born in Barbana, Italy (now known as Croatia). Dear brother of Maria (Berto) Blarezina (both deceased), Gianni Verbanac, Anton (Branka) Verbanac, Albino Verbanac. Loving uncle of Bernie (Suzy), Ingrid (Tim) Jursa, Eddie (Sarah). Proud great-uncle of Magnus, Jamie, Clara, Jordan, Jack and Rudy who all loved him dearly.
Mario showcased his great courage when he escaped communist Yugoslavia on foot in 1957 at the age of 19. Under the cover of nightfall, he made it to Italy where he spent 3 years in a refugee camp before being granted status to Canada. He was the first Verbanac to come to Canada and paved the way for the rest of his family to come in the late 60’s early 70’s.
He was a skilled tailor by trade and found work almost immediately in the Yonge and Spadina area of Toronto, working for various boutiques. However, he spent most of his career working as a tailor for the prestigious Ira Berg clothing boutique in its flagship store on Spadina.
Outside of tailoring, Mario had many other talents and passions. He loved agriculture and enjoyed cultivating land, whether it be his backyard garden or on the farm he had for many years. He also loved animals. On the farm he tended to cows, goats, geese, chickens and rabbits.
Mario was deeply religious and attended church regularly where you could hear him sing in his lovely baritone to many of his favourite church hymns.
Mario will be fondly remembered by all those who had the joy of spending time with him.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen St. S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Monday from 4 – 8 o’clock.
Funeral Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 11873 The Gore Road, Brampton on Tuesday morning, January 9 at 10 o’clock.
Followed by a Celebration of Life lunch a Ceasar’s Centre, 8841 George Bolton Pkwy, Bolton.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Adriana Gobbo
Or sincere condolences to the Verbanac Family – Gianni- Albaino – Tonci and Branka and family
Adriana and Claudio Gobbo
Milivoj and Josie Benic
Verbanac family:
Our heart was broken to hear the news of Mario’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We feel like we knew Mario for a life time, as he was such a friendly, welcoming and happy person who always enjoyed singing and joking around. Mario’s favourite words to me every time he saw me was “you are an Istrianka”, even though I was ital/canadese. But that was okay, he always made me feel like a somebody and very important. Though gone too soon, Mario to us will never be forgotten and in our hearts will be a friend forever. Mario May you Rest in Peace. Milivoj and Josie Benic ❤️❤️
Gaetano & Eugenia (Jean) Turcarolo
It was with great sadness to receive the news of Mario’s passing.
Mario was a great friend. He was a kind, generous, friendly and sincere individual.
I will forever cherish his friendship and our times spent together, while he was altering many of my apparels.
I will miss our conversations over a cup of coffee.
I shall miss you terribly my friend.
May you rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to his loving brothers and families. May God comfort you and give you strength during this
time of great sorrow, my friends.
Gaetano Turcarolo & Family
Eleonora Ratkovic
A loss to his family and to all his friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Our condolences to all the Verbanac family. May God help you through this very sad time. He will always be in your hearts and memories.
Rest in peace Mario and God bless
Eleonora & Ante Ratkovic
Pina sculac
Tonci I Branka
Vama, kao i cijeloj Vasoj familiji
moje najiskrenije saucesce povodom smrti Vaseg dragog Maria.
Neka mu je lahka Istarska zemlja.