Obituary of Placido Sforza

Placido Domenico Sforza

August 4, 1944 – April 8, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Placido Domenico Sforza, who left this world peacefully on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at Niagara Health, St. Catharines, Ontario, at the age of 80.

Born in Pettorano sul Gizio, L’Aquila, Italy, on August 4th, 1944, Placido’s life was shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and a boundless devotion to his family. As a young man, he lived in Saint-Étienne, France, alongside his father, Antonio, working to support their family back home in Italy. It was in France that he first cultivated his love for the arts, music, and painting — passions that would remain with him throughout his life. At just 18 years old, driven by hope and ambition, Placido immigrated to Canada, later reuniting with his family. He built a life rooted in hard work and integrity — first as a painter and later through a long and steady career in housekeeping at St. Catharines General Hospital. His sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment to providing for his loved ones were the hallmarks of his life’s mission. An avid gardener and proud self-taught tradesman, Placido found beauty in life’s simple pleasures — caring for delicate plants, preparing delicious homemade meals, and enjoying his daily rituals: a perfectly brewed coffee, toast with Crofter’s jam, Siggi’s yoghurt, all while listening to the fun and lively Melanie and Curtis on Move 105.7, a duo that always brought a smile to his face. He had a natural elegance in everything he did — from cooking and cleaning to fashion and home décor. His children remember him as a kind, warm, and respectful father — a gentle yet firm presence who passed on a love of learning, an appreciation for refined taste, and a deep respect for culture, language, and history. Whether sharing Italian and Latin sayings, teaching values through example, or challenging them to remember his words : “Listen to me speaking Italian now because when I’m gone, that’s it!”, “PaBà” gave his all with poise and grace. He believed in living with respect, working with care, and facing life’s obstacles with quiet determination. As he often quoted: “Aut viam inveniam aut faciam” — “I will either find a way or make one.”

Placido will be dearly missed by his children: Anthony Sforza, Daniele Sforza, and Margherita Sforza (Stéphane). He is predeceased by his beloved wife Ascenza Maria Depanfilis (Sforza), his father Antonio Sforza, his mother Margherita Ginnetti (Sforza), and his sister Donata.

He will be remembered for his legendary pasta and polenta making with his children, our lunches at The Diner House and Swiss Chalet — always starting with soup "to prepare the stomach" — and his unshakable sense of love and forgiveness. A pillar of quiet strength, Placido leaves behind a legacy of refined wisdom and tender resilience.

And so, our sweet PaBà, we thank you for teaching us the true values of life, your refined tastes, and your love for Italian and French culture and languages. Te voglio bene assai. Ma tanto tanto bene sai, PaBà…

“On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur. L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Le Petit Prince

“Si vede bene solo con il cuore. L’essenziale è invisibile agli occhi.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Il piccolo principe

“One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Breakfast Club of Canada or Plant a Memorial Tree in Honor of Placido through the Tribute Store online.

To veiw Placido's funeral service live, click here:

https://camstreamer.com/redirect/DFVPTyFZbbqglf3VgGuAZMDs4zLdpdgPz9Cyx4vT