Obituaries May 2024
DARREN BOUCHER (employed from 2009-2024) Operations and Infrastructure Group, Rail Cars and Shops, Wilson Carhouse. Died on April 17, 2024 at age 40.
KEITH BRADSHAW (employed from 1966-1996) Materials and Procurement, Lakeshore Stores. Died on May 6, 2024 at age 83.
ALFRED FENECH (employed from 1972-1999) Surface Operations, Queensway Garage. Died on May 7, 2024 at age 86.
JOHN FORSYTH (employed from 1987-2016) Surface Operations, Mount Dennis Division. Died on May 17, 2024 at age 63.
SELWIN GENTLE (employed from 1977-2007) Subway Operations, Wilson Division. Died on May 2, 2024 at age 69.
MICHELE IANNETTA (employed from 1971-1990) Plant, Building Services-Subway. Died on April 16, 2024 at age 99.
DAVID KERR (employed from 1989-2017) Wheel-Trans, Lakeshore Garage. Died on April 29, 2024 at age 69.
ANDY KMECZ (employed from 1962-1997) Surface Operations, Harvey Shop. Died on April 29, 2024 at age 86.
TOM KASKIW (employed from 1966-2018) Surface Operations, Russell Division. Died on March 20, 2024 at age 76.
SALVATORE PANNOZZO (employed from 1987-2016) Bus Maintenance and Shops, Duncan Shop. Died on April 10, 2024 at age 62.
SALVATORE RIZZELLO (employed from 1983-2013) Subway Operations, Wilson Carhouse. Died on April 20, 2024 at age 76.
MARK SAMUEL (employed from 1993-1995) Surface Operations, Malvern Division. Died on May 5, 2024 at age 88.
LLOYD SCHAEFER (employed from 1967-1999) Collectors. Died on May 17, 2024 at age 80.
IAN TRAILL (employed from 1969-2000) Collectors. Died on May 2, 2024 at age 82.
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Alfred Fenech
We remember Alfred Fenech who passed unexpectedly on May 7, 2024 at 86-years-young. Alfred was the devoted husband of Doris Fenech for over 60 years. Beloved father of Louis, Carmen, David, Stephen, and Marthese. Dear father-in-law of Christine, Steve, and Brad. Doting grandfather of Michael, Catherine, Christopher, Hanno, and Agatha. He is remembered also by his surviving siblings, Margaret and Rita, as well his many nephews and nieces, cousins, in-laws, and many, many friends.
Alfred touched countless lives with his soulful presence. Reputed as an honest, hard-working, passionate, and very generous person, he came to Canada from Malta in 1958. He met Doris at St. Paul the Apostle Church, where he served as the parish organist for over six decades. Until his passing, he continued to play at St. Paul’s Saturday mass.
A member of the Boy Scouts as a child in Malta, Alfred went on to work at a fireworks factory, followed by a two-year stint as a mail handler for Canada Post. He then joined the Canadian Armed Forces, where he took a course that focused on how to survive a nuclear war. He began working for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) in the 1960s as a Cleaner, but moved quickly up to Serviceperson, then Mechanical Serviceperson and Electrician, roles in which he excelled.
His Maltese heritage and love of media came together when he began bringing news and information to the Maltese-Canadian community as a broadcaster. In the many years he anchored the show, he sat across many highly esteemed guests, including former Maltese Prime Minister Dom Mintoff. Another such guest was the director of id-Dar tal Providenza, a home for adults with special needs. Viewers immediately called the studio to donate money to the home. In a single evening, he raised seven thousand dollars. This gave Alfred the idea to host an annual Telethon, which he took on once a year for many years. During his time producing the Telethon, he helped to raise over half a million dollars for id-Dar tal Providenza.
On top of the rigors of preparing for the Telethon, he balanced his growing family and duties with the choirs at both St. Paul the Apostle and St. Ambrose. He worked nights for the TTC at Queensway Garage, often forgoing sleep in order to stay on top of the many demands. For a time, he stepped into the role of President of the Maltese-Canadian Society.
Alfred had since retired from the TTC and his many broadcast endeavours. He travelled extensively across the globe and had a keen sense of curiosity about the world around him. He was also a skilled baker and cook – making some of the best pastizzi, torta, and tea biscuits imaginable.
His connection to the Maltese community was a source of tremendous pride, which he passed on to his children. And in March 2006, the Knights of St. John anointed Alfred Fenech for his remarkable contributions to the Maltese community.
May we find comfort in knowing he has reunited with his late parents and siblings, Mary, Joe, Tony, Charlie, and Victor, and brothers-in-law, Jimmy and Nick. Alfred’s sudden passing is deeply felt by all who loved him, but in that grief, we find the inspiration to live as he did: with compassion, strength, respect, and love.
From the Fenech Family
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Thomas Russell Kaskiw
In Loving Memory - Thomas (Tommy) Russell Kaskiw was born on July 7, 1947 in Toronto to Betty Gardner and Russell Kaskiw and died peacefully, in his home in Scarborough, Ontario, on March 20, 2024. Tommy was a kind and generous man. He was known for his “cheesy” smile in photos, his characteristically pithy jokes, his loyalty, and his calm nature. He cared deeply for his sisters, Linda Gardner and Bonnie Kaskiw, of whom he was very close. Tom was congratulated on 50 years of service with the TTC in 2016. He started his career as a Parcel Express Clerk at Gray Coach Lines in 1966, and at his career end, he was known as one of the friendliest and recognizable faces that greeted Operators at Russell Division. As a Divisional Clerk, he often spoke of how much he enjoyed working with his colleagues and appreciated their kindness towards him. Tommy was a coin and stamp collector, an avid reader and a sports enthusiast. He was most happy reading and educating himself and spent years earning several degrees at the University of Toronto. He loved the CNE, Swiss Chalet, Sci-Fi, wrestling, and his family. He is survived by his nieces, Jaclyn and Ashley Bryant, whom he showed his love and thoughtfulness through frequent parcels in the mail that included coupons, books, movies and magazines, as well as little notes to wish them well or make them laugh. Uncle Tommy, you were loved and you will be missed.
From the Bryant and Kaskiw family