Di Gregorio, Nestore

December 7, 1933 – May 20, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Nestore Di Gregorio, on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the age of 90. Predeceased by his dear wife Pierina of 65 years, father of Ray (Mary Jane), Aldo (Alda), Dave (Mary) and Carmen (Monica). Proud Nonno of Daniel, Sara (Frank), Eva (Ben); Norelle (Matthew), Natalie (Chris), Monica (Jordan); Paul, Luke, Brooke; Adele, Carina and Gabriella. Bisnonno of Charlotte, Bruno and Emma. Predeceased by his parents Raimondo and Concetta Di Gregorio. Brother of Rolando and Elisabeth Di Gregorio, Isabella and Victor Acciaroli, Vincent and Nancy Di Gregorio. Brother-in-law of Maria Di Nardo (the late Francesco), son-in-law of the late Finaldo and Lucia Di Giorgio. Nestore will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and paesani in Hamilton, and across Italy, U.S.A., Australia, and throughout Europe.

Born in Abruzzo, Italy, Nestore immigrated to Canada in 1950, and joined Pierina in marriage in 1959 on a return trip to his hometown of Secinaro, L’Aquila. The pair forged a new life together in Hamilton, raising four sons, and welcoming four cherished daughter-in-laws, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Family was at the core for this dynamic duo, Nestore the frontman with the booming voice, and Pierina the driving force behind it all. With little formal schooling, Nestore became an avid reader, intrigued by world religions and philosophy, and was a charismatic conversationalist and storyteller, something his fellow steelworkers at Stelco, neighbours in Rosedale, and many mall friends in later years, enjoyed. He never missed an opportunity to make people laugh, with his wit and quirky sense of humour, especially with his grandchildren who revelled in his company. Once retired, he cherished his time with Pierina in Secinaro, where they often spent months at a time, immersing himself in their beloved hometown and its people. For all who knew Nestore, he was a big personality with an adventurous spirit, and large measures of sincerity and compassion. He will be dearly missed.

The family wishes to thank the many dedicated healthcare workers at Willowgrove for their unwavering and exceptional care over the last six months.

Visitation will take place at Bay Gardens Funeral Home, 947 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, on Monday, May 27 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Bay Gardens Funeral Home, on Tuesday, May 28 at 11 a.m.