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
David Garnham
Francesco Torrito
As uncles go, Uncle Mario was one of the best and with such a long, distinguished, and varied career, he will be remembered by many people for many different things.
For me and perhaps several other nephews and nieces that were fortunate enough to work with and learn from Uncle Mario, our childhood memories of him will always remain alive in our hearts.
Whether selling ice cream and chocolates on the weekend at the Verdi theatre, delivering pamphlets freshly off his printing press throughout Little Italy or working with other cousins at his China D’Or restaurant for a summer, I will always remember fondly all of these fun childhood work experiences.
Condolences to the family and may he Rest In Peace.
Manuel Garcia y Carmen
Nuestras sinceras condolencias para los familiares y amigos cercanos , descanso eterno para el Sr. Mario Novati
Nieves and Beatriz Skupek
We our deeply sorry to hear of your father passing. Our deepest condolences.
My most heart-felt…
My most heart-felt condolences, Tony. May he rest in peace.
Kathleen Pope
I feel so grateful that I was able to know a beautiful human being like my Uncle Mario. Growing up he was always present at all family gatherings He would tell funny stories, while joking and teasing. Rest In Peace Uncle Mario. You will be really missed by all who knew you.
Jose and Diane Perez
Such a wonderful man!!! He will be missed by all. We send our love to all of his family.
Carol Radcliffe
Our deepest condolences to the whole family. “Nonno” was a great presence in the family and was so welcoming to our whole family. I’ll remember fondly going to cooking classes with Susan and coming out with great recipes and memories of sharing great food and lots of stories!! He will be missed. Xoxoxo the Radcliffe family.
DELORES RIOU
Mario was an amazing person with a remarkable life. I always enjoyed hearing about the challenges he had faced. He was very generous, kind, and from observation a fantastic husband and father. He put his family above everything else. As my daughter keeps telling me there is no pain in heaven. We will meet again my friend.
Barbara MacLeod
Still savouring the special Novati touch in my kitchen from a passionate human being.
Elaine, Matthew and I want to send the whole family our deepest sympathies. He was by far the coolest Novati. Love David