Rodolfo Polcari 1930-2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rodolfo, our family’s cherished role model, loving husband, father, grandfather (Nonno), son, brother, uncle, and friend. He left us peacefully on November 7, 2024, at the age of 94.

Rodolfo is now reunited with his beloved wife of 64 years, Maria, the greatest love of his life, as well as his parents, Marianina and Giovanni, and his brothers Raffaele, Antonio, and Mario, and sisters Claudia and Sister Roberta.

Together, Rodolfo and Maria worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their children and create a home filled with love. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Giovanni "John" (Laura), Nicola (Olga), Gloria, and Liliana (Frank), as well as his mother-in-law, Giuseppina (late Nicola), and his sister, Constantina (late Giuseppe).

Rodolfo’s memory will live on in the hearts of his nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends across Italy, Canada, and the United States. His greatest joy was being a Nonno to his ten grandchildren, who were the pride and light of his life. Sandrine, Bruno, Bianca, Michel, Adam, Olivier, Joshua, John James, Simona, and Jonathan brought him immeasurable happiness, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

Blessed with a long and meaningful life, Rodolfo was born in Italy and moved to Montreal as a young man, where he quickly established himself as a dedicated and hardworking individual. Rodolfo approached life with optimism, ambition, and a wonderful sense of humor, achieving many milestones along the way. Above all, he was deeply proud of his family, which he considered his greatest accomplishment. Through his example, he passed down enduring family values and traditions, always leading by action.

Rodolfo’s work ethic was unmatched. His days often began early and ended late, yet he made sure to be present for every family meal and event. A master craftsman, he brought his expertise in antique restoration from Italy to Canada, where his cabinet-making skills became well-known throughout Montreal. His meticulous work can be found in kitchens across the city and beyond. After more than 30 years of dedicated service, he retired from Concordia University, where he started as a carpenter and worked his way up to superintendent, managing a team of 40 skilled tradespeople and overseeing building inspections. He often joked that he had the longest university education of anyone in the family!

Even in his later years, Rodolfo remained active and independent. He lived life to the fullest, embracing new experiences, including becoming a “snowbird” at the age of 80. He loved to forage for mushrooms, seek out the freshest produce, and create homemade food, tomato sauce, cheese, and prosciutto, to name a few, alongside his beloved Maria.

Rodolfo was known for his warmth, kindness, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His good-natured spirit remained with him until the very end. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the team at Centre d'Hébergement Champlain for their exceptional care and kindness during his final days.

Rodolfo leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his family will continue to honour his life by embracing each day with the same joy and purpose that he did.

A visitation will be held at  Yves Légaré’s Funeral Complex of LaSalle, 7200 Newman avenue, Lasalle, on Monday, November 18 from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm and Tuesday, November 19, 2024 as of 9:30 am.

A Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. John Bosco Church located at 2510 Springland, Montreal followed by interment at Côte-des-Neiges cemetery.

Those who so desire may make a memorial donation in his honour to the Fondation Champlain et Manoir-de-Verdun or the Association pulmonaire du Québec in lieu of flowers.