Mario Novati died peacefully, surrounded by family on April 1, 2022 in Ottawa. Born on April 9, 1929 in Venice, Italy, he moved to Canada at age 18 and lived life to the fullest in both Montreal and Ottawa.
Mario is survived by his beloved wife Maria; children Marisa (Vincent), Carlo (Debbie) and Marco (Kim); grandchildren Cristina (Matthew), Erica, Michael (Sophie), David and James; great-grandchildren Isabel and Zoe; and siblings Sofia, Antonietta and Cesare. Predeceased by his sister Elsa and daughter-in-law Susan, he will be remembered by extended family members and friends.
After meeting at a Valentine’s dance, Mario and Maria filled their almost 70 years of marriage with hard work, travel, adventures, and an abundance of Italian food made with love - pasta e basta!
Mario’s taste for good food and wine flourished while building his career in the hospitality industry. He had the honour of directing food services for dignitaries at Expo 67 (Montreal) and 70 (Osaka) on behalf of the Canadian government. He was a celebrated cooking instructor, television personality and author. He is well-known for co-creating Pastamore, the fresh pasta and sauce business in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, and for offering Italian cooking classes at the LCBO and La Bottega Nicastro in Ottawa.
Passionate about politics, Mario never tolerated injustice and always shared his views freely - and loudly! He captivated audiences with his sense of humour and nostalgia.
Thanks to Cité Parkway Retirement Residence and Champlain Hospice Palliative Care Program for their continued support. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Beechwood Cemetery’s Sacred Space. Special thanks to the caring staff at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital, where memorial donations can be made. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.beechwoodottawa.ca.
Mario, we miss you, we love you, and we raise a glass of grappa to your memory.
Digital Guestbook
Juan & Ana-Maria Pascuet
Tony Ravenda
Condolences to the family. I assisted to many of his cooking classes at the McGill Faculty club. Learned so much about cooking with wine or brandy. I still recreate many of his recipes. He was a great cook. I'll post a Photo of him that explain why Maria fell for him when they met. He was a great looking guy.
Dale pope
What an honour it was to know Mario. When I came into the ‘Novati’ clan through marriage to Kathleen, Mario became my ‘uncle’ too! We shared political beliefs and spent happy times recounting this and that. He enjoyed a special ‘joie de vivre’! He will be missed for sure.
Bobbie Garnham
He was a most beloved uncle, who will be missed by everyone who knew him. Even though he lived a good long life, it is never long enough for those he leaves behind. I love you Uncle Mario.
Delores Riou
It is a great loss we have suffered. Mario was a great ambassador from the heart for Canada. no matter where internationally he travelled. One consolation is my daughter keeps telling me there is no pain in heaven. I lift my glass to you Mario.
Barbara and Paul Bernstein
We met Mario almost 16 years ago when our son Matthew married his granddaughter Cristina. He was a wonderful guy, intelligent charming funny and cared deeply about his family. He leaves a big hole…we extend our condolences to all of you.
Andrew, Karen, Josh, Jamie and Rachel
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. Mario lit up the room with his charisma and warmth. We really enjoyed getting to know him, both in person and through the wonderful stories Cristina has shared with us. He will truly be missed.
Sandra d’Apollonia
Uncle Mario was a special person who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I will miss his warmth, kindness, sense of humour, and, especially, him. Family gatherings were always filled with great food and fun times. I will miss his presence at future gatherings. Rest In Peace, Uncle Mario. I will always remember you and never forget you.
Jaime y Mary carmen SEbastian
Nuestro mas sentido pésame, nadie esta listo para perder a un ser querido pero dios os dará fuerza para seguir adelante ,nuestras mas sinceras condolencias para toda la familia
Juanita Garcia
Mis mas profundo pésame en tan tristes momentos para toda la familia sois afortunados de haberle disfrutado por tantos años siempre cariñoso, amable y sobretodo feliz y sonriente. Bellísimos recuerdos os deja, en paz descanse. Amén
Nuestras sinceras condolencias para vosotros y toda la familia, nos unimos a vuestro dolor ,que el Señor os dé fortaleza a vosotros y a la familia.