Obituary of Giovanni (Gio) Pantalone

July 20, 1958 - April 8, 2026

Our sadness cannot be expressed in mere words; we have lost part of our family's deep loving spirit. 

Giovanni (Gio) Pantalone (67), beloved cherished spouse to Francine and loving dad to Caryne, Stefanie, Daniel and Maryse, amazing father-in-law to Luc, Morgan, and Dennis and THE BEST POPPA in the world to Élyse and Olivier, Theodore and Finnley, and Oscar - passed away gently on Wednesday April 8th, 2026 surrounded by a circle of deep love. 

Gio also leaves behind his mother Carmela (nee Disipio) and his two sisters, Claudia (Giulio Belrango) and Lora (Anthony Galla) as well as his nieces and nephews, and the children of many close bonus-family and friends who will miss the extra love he always had for them as well. He was Uncle G to so many. Predeceased by his father Luigi, his dear brother Tony,  and brother-in-law Giulio - they'll all enjoy a beer and watch hockey together. 

He lived a life of hope and optimism! He made everyone feel great who had the good fortune to be around him and he was a kind, fun, trusted, loving soul. 

He was our bright light, our love anchor, and we miss him incredibly. He was also a walking miracle: surviving 50 years with his kidney transplant since November 1, 1975. 

Gio loved sports and was an avid local fan of the Sens and RedBlacks, and his Bills!  He loved spending quiet campfire nights at camp watching the stars with our famjam. 

He worked at both Stats and Health Canada, where he  got to work with many good people, as well as working 10 years with the Deloitte team. He is remembered fondly by many friends and acquaintances  - especially for his enthusiastic DJ gigs around town. 

In his last few years he did everything he could to push back the inevitable with his cancer. He did so bravely,  so he could spend more time with his children and his grandchildren.

We are so proud of the man we knew. We will continue to live by his example of unconditional love,  kindness, and bright joy - every single day.

Sleep softly my Huneybear, we will see you in our dreams. We will think of you every time we dance. We love you forever X infinity. 

The Celebration of Life for Giovanni will take place on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026, from 3pm to 8pm at Sala San Marco, 215 Preston St., Ottawa. 

Donations to the Kidney Foundation in honour of Giovanni, in lieu of flowers,  are deeply appreciated by the family. 

The family looks forward to hearing wonderful stories of how everyone knew Giovanni. 

Please don't hesitate to tell us about those times in the guestbook.