June 1, 1941 – May 28, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Furlan, who died peacefully on May 28, 2025, at Toronto General Hospital after a courageous 20-year battle with cancer. He was 83 years old.
Born on June 1, 1941, in Cimadolmo, Italy, John immigrated to Canada in search of opportunity and a better life. As his life and family evolved he lived in North York, Bolton, Adjala and Alliston. Wherever he moved, his quiet dignity, optimism and a large vegetable garden followed.
John enjoyed a long and successful career in the home heating oil industry before semi-retiring to sell real estate, where he was respected for his honesty, dedication, and warmth. In retirement, he embraced his greatest joy, tending his vineyard and making wine in the rolling hills of Hockley Valley. Among the vines and in his garden with Kate and with many visits from his grandchildren, John found fulfillment, and joy.
He was an avid reader and a keen observer of economic and political issues, always engaged with the world around him and eager to exchange ideas with others. His sharp mind and thoughtful insights kept gatherings with family and friends lively and fulfilling.
John was predeceased by his first beloved wife, Stella Furlan (née O’Meara), who passed away on July 1, 1997. He later found love and companionship once again with Catherine (Kate) Furlan (née McCann).
He was the proud father of Patrick (Suzie), Stephen (Lisa), and Peter, and a devoted and loving grandfather of Jonathan, Ronan, Kathryn, Andrew, Michael, Cordelia, Beckett, and Jensen.
John was also a cherished stepfather of Laura (Darren) and Caz (Casey), and a beloved step-grandfather of Cameron, Sierra, Victoria and Ripley. He embraced his blended family with warmth, kindness, and generosity.
John will be remembered as a calm, respectful, and tolerant man—a true gentleman in every sense. He treated everyone with grace and kindness. He was also a tremendous optimist who truly believed in the power of positive thinking. Even throughout his long illness, he remained hopeful, resilient, and full of love for those around him.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy 50), Bolton on Wednesday evening, June 4 from 6 to 8 o’clock.
Funeral Mass will be held in St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 16066 Gore Road, Caledon on Thursday morning, June 5 at 11 o’clock.
Following interment in St. John’s Cemetery, reception will be held at Egan Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Elio Cancian
Our sincerest condolences to Katie and family. John was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed and remembered fondly.
Elio & Rosanne Cancian
Sam and Niki Gallo
Kate and family, John was such a lovely man. May the unfirgettta memories you share live forever .
Stan and Eileen Weisman
Dear Kate and Family,
We send our sincere condolences for the loss of our dear friend. John was a brilliant long term manager of our late father’s fuel business. Our father could trust him implicitly. He was a wonderful man in all respects.
Stan and Eileen Weisman
Brian and Sharron DuVal
John has been a wonderful friend to Sharron and I and to our family. We will miss him terribly. There simply is no one that will replace John in our lives. We loved and respected him. Our thoughts are with Kate and family.
Kathy and Ross Farrelly
We send our condolences to the family. John and Stella were our long time neighbours who were always welcoming and pleasant to talk with. When I met John and Kate by chance in Bolton, he was friendly and optimistic. John will be missed by his friends and family.
Kim Bentley
Dear Mrs Furlan , Laura and all of the Furlan family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on Mr. Furlan’s passing. I have very fond memories of a kind , quiet man growing up who always had a warm smile to greet me at school functions or just out and about in our smaller Bolton community. He was always very kind to mom as well. We are thinking of you all with love and hoping the beautiful memories you’ve made together are some small measure of comfort at this sad time.
Love Kim Bentley (nee O’Hearn) and family.
Julie Haugh Guzzo and Frank Guzzo
We send sincere condolences to kate and the family. John was a good man who made the world a better place by being in it.
Flavio & Sandra Cella
To the Furlan family we express our deepest sympathy for the loss of John. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. We were honoured to have met him and we hope for the family that your memories bring you comfort. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Gordon Chiarot
Kate and family
My sincere condolences on John6 passing
It was an honor and pleasure to know John and the family
My prayers are with you all
Paul
My Sincere Condolences to your Dad Dear Pat and family. Heavenly Everlasting Prayers Gods Blessings Amen !!!
Inge & Chris Sallaberger
Dear Kate,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of John’s passing at mass at St. John’s on Sunday. Our sincerest and deepest condolences. We reflected afterwards on happy and nice moments together when John and you were part of the St. John’s parish community. John was such a lovely man and liked by all. He is missed. Our prayers are with John as with you Kate, and the rest of the extended family, in this difficult time.
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to join you for the visitation and funeral this week, as we are flying to Belgium on Wednesday to visit Inge’s mother, but know that we will be with you in spirit and thoughts.
Love and prayers,
-Inge and Chris Sallaberger
The Niro Family
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Furlan. He was such a kind and gentle soul. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary, Laura, Nadia and Michelle Niro
Karen Duyal
On behalf of the Rasmussen family, we offer our deep condolences to the family of John, with most heart felt sentiment to Kate. Toby and I will remember John’s intelligence, gentle nature, a truly classy sole to his core.
May you rest in the arms of the angels John. Teach everyone up their how to make great wine.
Karen and Toby.
Catherine Redmond
I am so deeply sorry to hear of John’s death. He was an extraordinary person. A very kind man, with deeply held convictions. He will be sadly missed.
Condolences from the Redmond Family
Nicole Chiasson
Kate and family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Linda Kenmir
Our sincere condolences to the Furlan family. RIP John.
Linda & Gord Kenmir
Lucia De Biasio
Sincere condolences to the Furlan family. Cherish your memories.
Lucia and Larry De Biasio
Lido and Gisela Toffoli
Barbara Hakner
Our sincere condolences to Kate and her family. John will be missed in our community.
John and Barbara Hakner