In Memoriam: Joe Virgona

Joe Virgona, or Pumpa, as all of his grandchildren lovingly called him, has sadly passed away, peacefully surrounded by his family, at the age of 80 on February 5, 2023. Loving husband of the late Judy Virgona, to whom he was married to for 56 years. Father of Tracey, Jason and his wife Emma, Dino and his wife Carla, and his late daughter Joey. Cherished grandfather of Nikki, Michael and his wife Julia, Asher, Nola, and Peyton. Proud great-grandfather of Violet and Ella. Brother of Angie Schiavone, brother-in-law of Guy and Cheryll McConnell. Uncle of Billy, Ann Marie, Robert, Chris, and Kathy. Sadly missed by his fur babies Coco, Ginger and Dixie.

Joe was born on September 23, 1942, on the island of Salina, Sicily and immigrated to Canada on June 24, 1950, at the age of 7. As much as he honored his Italian roots, he truly embraced being Canadian. On Canada Day, he opened his home to family and friends for a memorable annual celebration, complete with great food, family, fun, games, and an epic firework extravaganza. His extreme love for animals was also demonstrated with golf cart rides to his family-owned hobby farm next door, complete with rescue horses, ducks, and peacocks.

At the age of 14, Joe started working in the grocery industry as a stock boy, and dreamed of one day owning his own business. Despite many trials and tribulations, Joe quickly climbed the ranks to store manager at Power Supermarket. Through this experience, Joe acquired all the necessary skills and attributes to give him the courage to branch out on his own. He entered the independent industry, co-owning a Red and White Supermarket and co-founding Bonanza Supermarkets. Dedicated to pursuing his dream, his love of food led him to create one of the most beloved grocery stores in Toronto, Fiesta Farms. A place that is now regarded as a pillar in the community, and where his generosity and philanthropy is well renowned in the industry. Joe was a driving force in advocating for locally sustainable and organic food. With his strong work ethic, he successfully passed the torch to his children when he retired several years ago. Fiesta Farms has now become his legacy.

Joe was blessed with beautiful friendships, many of which lasted a lifetime. Many knew Joe as a kind and generous man with a big heart, and although he was a biological father of four, he was a dad to many. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends, but happily reunited with his loving wife Judy, and beautiful daughter Joey.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213), on Sunday, February 12 from 12pm-4pm and on Monday, February 13 from 1pm-4pm and 6pm to 9pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 11873 The Gore Road (The Gore Road and Mayfield), Brampton, on Tuesday morning, February 14 at 10am. Interment at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bolton.

Memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House at rmhctoronto.ca or Canadian Wild Life Federation at cwf-fcf.org. Joe’s concern for children in need, and his love for animals was the inspiration for selecting these charities.