Obituary of Philip Leonardo Bruno Suriani

Philip Leonardo Bruno Suriani was born in the southern Italian town of Vibo Valentia, Calabria. One of the youngest of twelve children, he immigrated to Canada at the age of eight, beginning a new life with his large, close-knit family. He grew up on the Queensway, where he quickly became known for his outgoing nature, warmth, honesty, and the kindness that would define him throughout his life.

In his early twenties, Philip discovered a deep and transformative faith. Through the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he found strength, peace, and purpose. His faith in Jehovah empowered him to quit smoking and drinking immediately a decision that shaped the rest of his life. Not long after his baptism, he met his beautiful and equally gentle wife, Susan, at a Jehovah’s Witness convention. The two fell in love and soon became inseparable partners both in life and in their ministry.

Philip and Susan married and served as regular pioneers for more than seven years. Even after welcoming their two children, Jordan and Olivia, they continued their full-time ministry together with joy and devotion, often bringing their children along as they preached and strengthened their faith as a family. Their home was filled with warmth, patience, and a deep reverence for God.

Philip was a jeweller by trade. His very first job was at his older brother John’s jewelry store in Mississauga, and over the years he became known for his remarkable skill sometimes polishing more than 500 rings a day. Later, Philip and Susan opened a pizza restaurant called Italian Delights, where they worked side by side, managing both the business and all the household responsibilities together. They were a united team in every sense cooking homemade pizza every Wednesday and welcoming friends, family, and neighbours to their table without hesitation.

Philip worked with his brother John well into his late sixties, always loyal, hardworking, and dedicated. When Susan passed away in March 2010, his life forever changed. Yet even through profound loss, he continued forward with courage and faith. He spent the following years living with his daughter Olivia across Austin, Texas; Niagara Falls; Qualicum Beach, British Columbia; and Fort Erie, Ontario. Along the way, he was accompanied by two beloved dogs, Espresso and Latte Espresso, a Labrador–Yorkie mix, held a special place in his heart and was undeniably his favourite.

Philip was known for acts of bravery and generosity. One unforgettable moment occurred in Texas when he discovered a rattlesnake in the garage and captured it with his bare hands an astonishing display of courage. He was equally fearless when it came to helping others. When financially able, he quietly and generously supported anyone in need, even purchasing a car for a friend and regularly buying groceries for those with less. He drove families to gatherings, swimming, skating, and sledding anything to bring joy to others.

He was the most social of men cheerful, humble, and always on the phone checking in on friends and family so no one felt alone. His kindness was steady. His spirit was gentle. And his love for people was endless.

Through all circumstances, Philip’s faith remained the center of his life. Even after suffering a major stroke seven years before his passing, he continued preaching from his wheelchair, unwavering in his dedication. He listened constantly to audio recordings of the Bible for comfort and inspiration, keeping Jehovah foremost in his heart. His endurance spiritual, emotional, and physical was extraordinary.

Philip was the most patient and loving father a family could hope for. His heart was truly made of gold, a rare warmth in a cold world. Despite hardships, loss, and pain, he kept his joy, humour, and compassion alive. The world is dimmer without his light, but the legacy of his faith, spirit, and goodness lives on through all who were blessed to know him.

Among all the blessings in his life, one shone above the rest: his grandson, Austin. Philip adored him deeply. After his stroke, seeing Austin every day gave him strength, joy, and motivation. Austin would walk ahead of him, and Philip using his walker or cane would follow close behind, determined to stay near him, guided by the light and love his grandson brought into every room. Their bond was pure, healing, and irreplaceable.

Rest now, Dad.

May your kindness guide us.

May your faith inspire us.

And may we honour you each day in how we treat others.

Please share a memory of Philip here at his memorial legacy page.

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