Tony Iacovino passed away at Sunnybrook Hospital with family at his side as the sun was setting over the ravines of Toronto.
He leaves behind his wife Helen; children Genevieve (Matt) and Adrian (Britta); granddaughter Elodea; and sister Giselda (Mike); Predeceased by his sister Silvana (Michele).
Born in Rotello, Italy in 1951, son of Salvatore “Donato” and Elodia (née Taurozza) Iacovino. Tony, his mother, and sister Silvana immigrated to Canada in 1957 and reunited with Salvatore and Giselda where they lived in Montreal. From a young age he loved reading, was fascinated by space, and pursued his passion for writing. He was the first of the family to go to university where he graduated from McGill and Concordia with a B.A and M.A in English.
He met his future wife, Helen, at a writer’s workshop in Montreal. They fell in love, moved to Toronto, and had children. He loved discussing films, shows, books, politics, and philosophy with family and friends. A good-natured man with a sense of humour and a thoughtful demeanour.
In his career, he was a writer, editor, professor, and entrepreneur. He began teaching at Concordia University and retired as an English professor at Seneca College. He published poetry, had his own business working as a technical writer, and wrote inspirational articles. He had a writer’s critical eye, and a teacher’s inclination for connection. In retirement, he championed the causes and uplifted the voices of struggling adjunct professors nationwide; and he meticulously crafted a collection of short stories about the resilience, dignity, and pride of the Italian people who toiled in the fields around the small towns of post-war Italy.
A loving husband, playful and practical father, a kind and good man. We all love Tony!
Donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Sunnybrook Foundation, the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, or a charity of your choice.
Funeral Details
Show location:
Celebration of Life
First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto
473 Oakwood Avenue, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M6C 2R5
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Monday, 15 Dec 2025 1:00 PM
Info: The service will also be live streamed for those that cannot attend the service at the church. You can obtain the zoom link through your contacts with family or friends.