Carmen John Sisto
Posted By Egan Funeral Home On March 9, 2023 @ 4:01 pm In Bolton Area,Obituaries | 30 Comments
August 21, 1946- February 23, 2023
Carmen’s warmth, kindness and genuine interest in people touched many lives and he will be missed by many.
He made people feel special because he was genuinely interested in them and felt that everyone was important. Known as a calm, quiet, gentle man of integrity he also had a great sense of fun and a quick wit. He savoured life and took his time with everything whether it was conversation, food or a golf shot. Carmen enjoyed learning and had an astounding memory. He preferred documentaries and true stories. His interest in geography, history and science and his love of people led him to travel extensively and become a teacher. When he decided to pursue a new interest he studied it thoroughly and became very good at photography, chess, golf, skiing and tennis. He loved cars, was loyal to Toyota and a fan of anything Italian and especially enjoyed his trips to Italy, Italian food, Columbo and The Godfather. Married to Carole for almost 51 years, they shared a love of family, friends, travel, learning and their beloved cats. They loved their life together in their longtime home in Bolton and Carmen vowed to never move and he never had to. Early Thursday morning, February 23, he died peacefully at home in his sleep.
Carmen grew up in Toronto with a loving, large extended family, attended Lawrence Park Collegiate and graduated from Cedarbrae Collegiate, York University and Toronto Teacher’s College. He is predeceased by his parents Rose (Schillaci) and Michael Sisto. He is missed by his beloved wife of almost 51 years Carole, his sisters Marie Knott (Joe) and Joanne Nixon (Richard), his eldest nephew Andy (Tara), his Chandler in-laws Veronica (Norm), Connie, Joe, Steve, Ted (Eva), Bob (Nancy), Rick (Clara), and his many nieces and nephews. He is also missed by his aunt Fran Dingello and the rest of the extended Schillaci family, his long time close friends and the many people whose lives he has touched through the years. Carmen and Carole were very appreciative of all the love and support they have received, especially in these last years.
His love of young people led Carmen to teaching where he became a popular science teacher at Fairbanks Sr. PS in Toronto before moving to Greenbriar Sr. PS in Peel in 1976. He enjoyed a successful career teaching Science, Home Room, French and Guidance and won the Olive Diefenbaker Award of Merit in Guidance from the Ontario Guidance Association. He taught at a number of other Peel schools including Castlemore, Sir John A. Mac Donald Sr., The Humberview, Macville and Helen Wilson. He was a well liked teacher and formed many life long friendships at each school. The Squash Group and The Macville Lunch Bunch as well as others became an integral part of his life. Always interested in helping others, he also volunteered for Big Brothers of Peel and Caledon Meals on Wheels for almost twenty years and Tennis Canada for over twenty-six years and willingly helped in other volunteer activities.
Interested in health and fitness Carmen started jogging in the seventies and formed jogging clubs at various schools, completed the Toronto Marathon and was a staunch supporter of The Terry Fox Run. He took up tennis, skiing and biking. He retired in 2000 and continued to pursue his love of travel, golf, tennis, biking and walking the trails of Caledon. After being hit by a car in 2017, his physical activities became more limited so he started swimming regularly. He was an active member of The Fitness Institute (One Health Club) since 1979 and especially enjoyed his time with the Silver Foxes playing tennis several times a week. An exceptionally skilled golfer, Carmen was a welcome addition to any game and joined a foursome that regularly won first place trophies. But often he enjoyed practicing and playing golf on his own…just for the love of golf.
Diagnosed by his vigilant family doctor, Dr. Meghory, with esophageal cancer in late 2020, Carmen endured every available treatment with grace and dignity. He received excellent care at the Odette Cancer Centre and Michael Garron Hospital and we thank all the doctors, nurses and other medical staff who provided excellent care despite the restrictions of covid. He enjoyed a period where the treatments appeared to successfully combat the disease. With the support of Care Partners’ PSWs and Nurses and his wife Carole, he spent his last months at home as he wished and died peacefully in his sleep.
In keeping with Carmen’s wishes, he was cremated and will be interred privately in the Sisto family plot at Mount Hope Cemetery in Toronto. A Memorial and Celebration of Carmen’s life will be held at The Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy. 50), Bolton with memorial visitation on Wednesday, April 26 from 6-8 pm and Thursday, April 27 from noon until time of memorial service in the chapel at 1:00pm. Followed by a reception at the funeral home.
The family invites those who wish to view the service to do so through live streaming by clicking the following link:
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=fb9d6084-4b59-4628-bda4-935b419e5e52
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If you experience any issues or have questions in regards to the live streaming, please feel free to contact Forget Me Not Ceremonies at 1-877-895-2739. If you need to leave a message on their answering machine, they will return your call promptly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunnybrook Foundation directed to The Odette Cancer Centre, The Terry Fox Foundation, The Caledon Animal Shelter or a charity of your choice.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Condolences for the family of “Carmen John Sisto”
Carole, I am very proud to have had Carmen for a nephew! He was always interested in everyone, even during his last two agonizing years. A man with a huge heart !
You couldn’t have been more attentive to his needs. He was a lucky guy to have you, and varified this statement to me.
There is no doubt that he is in the arms of our Dear Lord.
My Condolences to you and your greater family. With love, Aunt Fran.
miss him dearly. My condolences to you and your greater family. Love, Aunt Fran
Many fond memories of Carmen when he was a volunteer with Caledon Meals on Wheels. True, true gentleman and a loving, caring individual. We were blessed to have him in our lives.
I am so very sorry to learn of Carmen’s passing, Carole. When I invited Carmen to join the Macville PS staff, I knew he was a special teacher. I welcomed and admired his kindness and thoughtfulness, and remember some of his very witty lines!!
My sincerest condolences to you.
Carole: I am so sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. He certainly was a kind, gentle person. I remember when I worked at Bolton Florist, he would come in and we would talk about the people we worked with in the City of York. He had some great stories and what a memory!!! My sincere condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace.
Carmen was one of the nicest people that I knew I truly enjoyed talking with him at the family functions We will all miss him terribly especially Carole who was always by his side for everything that needed to be done on his very difficult journey
I will always remember my first cousin Carmen. One of my fondest memories was Carmen coming over to my house to play a round of golf with my oldest brother Jim. I was supposed to be his “Caddie” unfortunately I stubbed my big toe ! He would always asks me “How my toe was” well into my teenage years, although I was 8 years old at the time of this incident. Carmen was a warm, kind human being with a great sense of humour. He will be a great new addition in the Kingdom of Heaven !
My sincere condolences Carole and the entire Sisto family. Love Matt Cutrara Jr
We will always remember Carmen for his big heart, compassion and love of teaching and all the lives he touched through his volunteer work with Caledon Meals on Wheels. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our deepest condolences to Carole and his family.
I first met Carole when she worked as an excellent educational consultant at Ellwood Memorial P.S. I didn’t get to know Carmen until he taught my daughter at Humberview S.S. She spoke so highly of him that they became friends. Later I got to teach Paul Cameron, a charming little brother that Carmen adopted as a Big Brother. While Carmen was at Macville P.S., we worked together on a few things as we both had specialities in Science, French and Phys.Ed. I have never met a nicer person to talk to than Carmen. He even tried to get me to volunteer at the Rogers Champion Tennis matches.
I felt so sorry for him after he was injured badly by a car while walking in a parking lot. Even then he tried to be positive and talked about his wonderful life with Carole and their many interest together. Carmen will be deeply missed by our community, by his students, friends, and especially Carole.
Carole , my most sincerest condolences in your loss of your beloved Carmen. He was surely one of the best. He was always most sincere in any conversation we engaged in. Always so sensitive to any subject and always agreed whole heartedly ‘ I’ve never experienced a bad day of Carmen God bless his Soul Such a good Man
Carole – I am, again, so deeply sorry about Carms’s passing. After I met you (some 30ish years ago ?), you very soon introduced me to Carm. That was the best day as we quickly became fast friends. Carm was truly a gentleman. He was kind, caring and always asked me how I was doing (ie. my life, my family, my job, etc.), and he was genuinely interested in all of my responses….even the boring ones ! He never forgot the tiniest tid-bit of information that I relayed to him and he would always ask me about these things (and more)…..even many years later ! I always loved that about Carm – what a wonderful memory he had. He really listened, cared and got involved in your life. What a special friend he was. I will miss him dearly. I am here for you Carole and will continue to walk by your side – always.
With love – Lisa
Dearest Carole and to Carmen’s extended family,
We were so sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. Carole, you are a beacon of light and a pillar of strength. The two of you were lucky to have each other. See you soon!! Love Patti and Steve
Carole , We are so very sorry to have heard about Carmen’s passing. What a kind and compassionate man he was. Every time we met him, he treated us with such warmth and took such an interest.in us. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Dorothea & Fred
Hello
I’m very sorry to learn about the loss of Carmen my deepest sympathy for everyone who knew Carmen and Carole
Greetings Nelly
To Carole and family
My sincerest condolences on your loss. Where do I begin. Carmen Sisto, just a kind, loving, caring person with a heart made of gold. I met Carmen and Carole when I worked with Carmen at his home after his accident. With Carmen it was never a dull moment, he was so driven and always positive and always saying I’m okay I can do it on my own. His determination made him such a fighter and provided him with such a great strength that alway encouraged me to be positive. I am so grateful to have met him and Carole and they both have changed my perspective of life and helped me to learn a lot and grow as a person. I remember carmen would record the tennis match and sit there and explain the entire match to me. Although I had no idea what was going on his excitement on his face made me enjoy listening. Their love and welcoming ways made me feel like I was right at home every time I stepped foot into their home. We wish you all the best Carole and continue to encourage you at this time.
To Carole and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. Although I never knew him, I had Carole as a teacher. As she is such a lovely person and was a great teacher, how could she have married anyone any less than that?
May the many fond memories of Carmen bring love and joy to your heart when you need them most.
Hi Carole, I was so sorry to hear of your hubby’s passing. although I didn’t know Carmen, I did know you and after 51 years together , I know how much you’ll miss him. My heart goes out to you with love.
I fondly recall all the great conversations with Carmen at McBain/Chandler family gatherings at Christmases and summers. As a youngster I admired him and his calm yet lively demeanour. He was always interested in what I was up to, and offered advice on careers (always a guidance counsellor!)
So glad for his full life, his love for Carole his support of extended family.
Our deepest sympathies to Carole and the family and friends of Carmen. We are sure that Roger and April are missing Carmen as well.
We are honored to have known Carmen for all these years. Carmen became a Big Brother to Paul back in the 90’s , and he always felt like a brother to me as well.
I enjoyed our long conversations and the emails of jokes and smiles to keep us laughing.
When the CNE rolls around I always think of Carmen taking Paul and a friend to enjoy the rides. Brave man that he was. He was always there to help and teach. So many things Carmen introduced Paul to like bowling, flying, Raptor games, baseball games, golf tournaments and many more fun times.
We are thankful for having had time with Carmen in our lives .
Love to Carole and family.❤️
Dear Carole, I am so sorry that your dear Carm has been called home.
Although I haven’t seen him for so long, he is one of those people you never forget. We first met when Carm was our son’s science teachers at Greenbriar Sr. PS, 50 + years ago! I met you, Carole, shortly after that at Clark Boulevard PS.
If there was ever a couple, so well suited to one another, equally caring, kind and sincerely interested in everyone. Carole and Carm …a wonderful couple that I am so glad I had the privilege to know and call my friends.
Eventually, all the lovely memories you’ve made together will help to keep Carm close and ‘alive’ in your heart forever. God bless you, Carole.
Love, Carole Edgar and family
Although I did not know Carmen well, we shared and met across several of his interests and the description of him as a gentle man genuinely interested in others was also my impression of him.
My condolences to Carole and his extended family.
Carole I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know that you both went through way too much hardship in the last couple of years. Carmen was a kindest most giving gentleman that I had the privilege of knowing. He always made a point of speaking to me Marc and my kids at every family picnic and really listening to what I had to say. I knew from a young age that he was such a giving soul. I remember that he was a Big Brother and that he would bring his Little Brother to the family picnics. He loved animals and athletics too. What a well rounded human. The world was a much better place with Carmen. Sending love and comfort to Carole, my Godmother & Andy & family too.
We were all so very sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. What an amazing human being and a terrific teacher. The entire Papadeas family has so many fond memories of Mr. Sisto, as all of the children (now adults) continued to call him. One of the amazing things about Carmen was how he remembered people’s names and specifics about them.
He genuinely cared about people and would always take the time to ask about individual family members.
He will be missed by so many.
May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal.
deepest sympathy Carole, Carolyn
Dear Carole,
I want you to know how I admired and valued the time I got to teach alongside Carmen at the Humberview, a multitalented man with a passion for life. His students and the staff valued the time they spent with him. The accidents that impacted on his quality of life never seemed to prevent him from looking on “the sunny side of life”.
Dear Carole; So sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. I remember him fondly from when he taught at Humberview. He always had a friendly greeting every day and I missed him greatly when life took him somewhere else.. I know you both lived close by but never seemed to meet you when I walked on the south hill. I remember you Carole also as a patient of Mobility Plus where I worked part time after retirement from Peel. May you learn to remember with joy the times you spent together as your grief abates.
Dear Carole,
I was very fortunate to work with Carmen at Helen Wilson Public School. He was a kind and gentle man, and a wonderful teacher. I am sure that there are many former students who have a great respect for the French language because of Carmen’s excellent teaching style. I remember the fun we had with the French Cafes that he organized for open houses.
With sincere sympathy,
Nancy Vail
Dear Carole:
So sorry to learn of Carm’s passing. We worked together at Humberview many eons ago. Carm was loved and respected by everybody, both in school and in the community. We enjoyed chatting about cars. It was an honour to call him my friend. Sincere condolences.
Dear Carole
I was not fortunate enough to see Carmen while growing up. To me he was always that kind, friendly and compassionate person you could love. He was a truly a wonderful person who will always be remembered as a special person. Hold on to all the good memories you will remember.
Sincere condolences on the passing of Carmen, we worked together at The Humberview School. I will treasure the many fond memories of this dear friend.
Sylvia Forletta
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Carole,
Our sincerest sympathies to you and the extended families on the recent passing of your beloved Carmen. He truly was a “gentle man” who was “interested” in everyone he encountered. Carmen has left a beautiful legacy behind, to all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. We hope your precious memories of him, bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Yehiel and Maria Meghory