With his family by his side Joseph Edward “Ted” Commisso passed away peacefully on December 31, 2015.
Ted Commisso was born on October 21, 1932 in Fort William Ontario to Amelia (Gagliardi) and Carmelo Commisso and grew up on South Syndicate Ave where his parents ran a family grocery store.
Ted attended St. Stans, St. Patrick High School and Lakehead Technical Institute. Having “had enough of school” one day Ted walked across the street, to the Ontario Hydro Office, and was hired on the spot as an Operator in Training. Ted’s career continued with various assignments throughout Northerwestern Ontario.
Ted’s most memorable assignment was at Rat Rapids when he met and fell in love with Bunny (Jaqueline) Koval of Pickle Lake. Bunny and Ted were married on July 9th 1955; their first home was in Terrace Bay Ontario, where their first child Karen, was born.
From 1958 to 1967 Ted and Bunny owned and operated the ten room Pickle Lake Hotel. Busy days operating the hotel became even busier as Ted built a three bedroom extension to house their growing family as sons Tim, Ken and Len were born.
In 1967 the Lakehead beckoned and the family moved to Fort William. Ted took a job at Gibson Motors but soon after landed a job as a meter reader in what was to be known as Thunder Bay Hydro. Ted worked his way up from Operator to Head Operator and eventually retired, as General Superintendent, in 1992 at the age of 60.
The Commisso family have lived on Amethyst Cres in Northwood for 48 years. Ted and Bunny love their neighbours and their neighbourhood. It was the perfect neighbourhood for their family to flourish, build relationships and precious memories that continue today.
For his whole life, Ted loved the game of baseball. This past summer, the playoff run of the Toronto Blue Jays helped see Ted through some difficult health challenges.
St. Agnes Parish has always played an important role in the lives of Ted, Bunny and their family. Ted and Bunny have been actively involved in a variety of the Church Ministries. Ted was devoted to the St. Vincent de Paul Society for over thirty years and during this time witnessed small miracles. Ted found this Ministry to be a very fulfilling; he had a deep respect for the people from our community who benefited from the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Ted is survived by his wife Bunny and together they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. Ted is also survived by his children Karen Gagnon (Marcel); Tim (Mary McGeown); Ken (Lorraine); and Len (Laura). Most of all Ted loved his nine grandchildren: Tim and Luke Gagnon; Katy and Jenny Commisso; Konrad, Karla and Laura Commisso; and Kim and John E. Commisso. In turn, the grandchildren love their Grandpa and will miss him forever.
Ted was pre-deceased by his siblings Frances, John, Peter and Mary Lou. Ted is survived by in-laws Norma Commisso; Caroline and John Jeffries, Alex Koval, Ramona Koval, and Rose Koval. Ted loved and was well loved by his many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ted also loved his extended family and close friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass at 12:10pm, at St. Agnes Church celebrated by Rev. Jerin Louis. Visitation for friends and family will take place one hour prior to mass time. If friends desire, memorials to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Ted Commisso will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 11, 2017.
