It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert George Constanzo on April 27th, 2025, just three days before his 97th birthday.
Roby died peacefully with his family at his side, at the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence in Hudson, Quebec, where he spent his last few days.
Roby is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Mary. He will be greatly missed by his children George (Diane), JP (Ombretta), Marisa (Michael), Paul (Erin), and Isabelle (Eddy). “Daddou” will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Lisa (Mike), Jackie (Mike), Robert (Alexandra), Nicolas, Thomas (Skyla), Markas (Jamie), and Jennifer (Jordan) as well as by his great-grandchildren Ellie, Henry, Kayden, Meeka, and Frederick. He will be fondly remembered by his nephews: Jean-Claude (Marion) and Dennis, niece Viviane (Ciccio), and their families. Roby was pre-deceased by his parents George and Concetta, and by his older brother, Michael.
Roby was born in Alexandria, Egypt, on April 30, 1928, to a prosperous European family. He spent the first part of his childhood at his paternal grandmother’s estate on the Mediterranean, Mahmoura. The wonderful farm and country life he experienced, which included growing flowers and fruits and making preserves, became the inspiration for the many hobby farm projects he undertook for the rest of his life.
Roby attended Victoria College in Alexandria and, upon graduation, worked in the family business: Cotton. He worked for a few years on the Alexandria Cotton Exchange as a Trader before presiding over another branch of the family business, a printing plant.
In 1962, he immigrated to Montreal, Canada, with Mary and the three children he had at the time, bringing his printing knowledge with him. He was to continue his involvement with printing for the rest of his life, at first working for various packaging companies in a technical capacity, and then, when he retired, he collaborated with his children to launch the print shop Copiemont, his pride and joy for the subsequent 25 years.
Roby’s Catholic faith was deep and unwavering. Sunday mass, prayers at bedtime. All his life, he found great comfort and strength in his devotion.
Roby’s greatest passion was his love for his wife Mary.
Over the years, together, Mary and Roby travelled the world. All over Canada, the U.S., France, Spain, Italy, Egypt, Israel, and the Caribbean. Sadly, his fantasy travel plans for the Bahamas were left unfulfilled.
Roby’s life was characterised by perseverance through adversity. Forced emigration, car accident, heart attack, he met challenges straight on with unwavering courage and the stubborn determination to overcome them.
But mainly, Roby’s dream was family unity. Upon arriving in Montreal in 1962, his first task was his family’s reunification, which he accomplished by quickly sponsoring the immigration of his parents and brother Michael’s family into Canada. Throughout his life, nothing gave him more pleasure than a family gathering at home – for Sunday dinner, for Christmas, for Easter – any occasion would do – it didn’t matter what. Sometimes attendance was achieved with pressure. All the kids are grown up now, some with children and grandchildren of their own. Some live far away, and some live nearby. The dream is a reality. They are close.
We invite you to celebrate with his family a life of courage and passion. A long life well-lived. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 4th, 2 pm at the St. Lazare Church at 1980 Chemin Ste-Angélique, Saint-Lazare, Quebec J7T2Y7. The interment will take place at a later date.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his doctors, nurses, and the staff at the Vaudreuil CLSC – Melissa, Myriam, Carl and others.
Special thanks to his friend and caregiver, Tracy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence, 90 Como Gardens, Hudson, Quebec, J0P1H0.
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