Obituary of Santo Antonio Hervato

(November 1, 1939 - August 27, 2024)

Santo Antonio Hervato was born in Portorose, Italy on November 1, 1939, and passed away in Ottawa, ON on August 27, 2024 at the age of 84.

Santo is survived by his beloved wife Donatella; children Pierpaolo (Lore), Monica (Christopher), Sandro (Theresa); grandchildren Alexaré (Mitch), Zachary (Mel), Alessandra (Evan), Stefano, Lucas (Katia); great-grandchildren Adelina, Deklan; sisters Palma (Vinicio), Mirella (Giovanni), and many nieces, nephews, and friends, both in Canada and Italy.

Santo and Donatella are the classic example of the Canadian Immigrant success story. They arrived in Ottawa in 1966, with a suitcase and two small children. They got their bearings on Lebreton St., Little Italy, where they had another child. They then moved to the open spaces of Richmond, ON, where they raised their three children. There Santo built tree forts, skating rinks, toboggan runs, and curated enviable vegetable gardens. Santo loved Canada and Italy equally, cheering on the Montreal Canadiens and hunting in the woods with friends every Fall while continuing to make his famous Italian wine and sausages.  No one will forget his love of music; summer weekends were often spent in parks throughout Ottawa where he and some of his fellow Italians serenaded everyone with his guitar and Italian folk songs. 

Santo came to Canada as a cabinet-maker, but expanded into home building and renovations as a partner at Sanren Homes and Villanova Homes (which he later passed down to his son, Paolo). Those lucky enough to have lived in one of his homes were intimately familiar with his commitment to hard work, quality, and integrity.   He passed along these values to his children and built lifelong relationships with all of his clients.   A man who left his mark on this country, literally and figuratively. 

Santo loved playing tennis, cycling, gardening, hunting and fishing.  He passed on his love for natural beauty and especially the ocean to his children and grandchildren.   However, his passion for his family is what really defined him. Everyone was crazy about Nonno.

A strong man with powerful morals, values and convictions, he loved and was loved immensely. He will be missed and remembered forever.

They don’t build houses like he did anymore.  And they don’t make men like him anymore. “Whadda heck.”

Mass at St. Anthony Church, 427 Booth St, Ottawa, ON, on October 11^th, 2024 at 7:00pm.

Celebration of Life at Cole Funeral Services & Highland Park Cemetery, 2037 McGee Side Rd, Carp, ON, on October 18^th, 2024 from 6:00-8:00pm.

Special thanks to the many caring doctors and nurses at the Ottawa Hospital oncology and palliative care units for their outstanding work.  Donations to Lymphoma Canada in lieu of flowers greatly appreciated.