Michael Sorbara
October 26, 2023
It is with heavy and broken hearts that we announce the passing of a great and wonderful man, father, husband, Nonno, brother, uncle and teacher, Michael Sorbara, who left this earth far too soon on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 10:26 p.m., after a short and hard-fought battle with colon cancer.
Born to Luigi Sorbara and Giuseppina Sorbara (née Magnoli) in San Giorgio Morgeto, Italy, Michael was one of five siblings: Nancy (Frank) Bruzzese, Domenic ‘Mimi’ Sorbara, Eva (Kevin) Toderick and Luigina (Ben) Giddens. His dear children Luigi (Sarah), Pina and Catherine (Ryan), and grandchildren Sofia, Natalia and Alessia, will forever miss him, along with all his nieces and nephews.
Michael’s greatest strength lay in his empathy and love for his family, for whom he would have done absolutely anything for. His love knew no bounds. A profoundly intelligent man, education became his calling. After graduating from the University of Toronto with a degree in Science and Education and attending teacher’s college, he began his career in Dunnville, Ontario, before moving to Welland High, where he taught math, physics and was instrumental in creating the first computer science curriculum in the Niagara region. Eventually he ended his career at Centennial High School where he had the greatest privilege to teach his children, Luigi, Pina and Catherine, as well as his nephews Bruno, Domenico and Angelo Nero in his classroom. However, being a teacher went far beyond the four walls of a classroom. He made it his life’s purpose to provide guidance, support, and knowledge to anyone who needed his help. He gave us all wings so we could fly.
Following his retirement, he spent many cherished and precious hours with the love of his life, his wife Diamante. They enjoyed learning Spanish, doing crossword puzzles, cooking together, and watching their precious granddaughters, Sofia, Natalia and Alessia grow up. To walk into Michael’s home, was to be greeted as a member of the family. He would put on a pot of espresso and welcome you to the table where he would impart wisdom and, of course, crack many a pun.
“I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.” – John Steinbeck
Life will not be the same without you. We will miss you forever. Per sempre nei nostri cuori.
Our family would like to thank all the staff at the London Regional Cancer Program for their tireless efforts during his time in the hospital. As well, our family was blessed to have the staff at Home and Community Care Support Services providing compassionate care throughout his time at home. A special thank you to Elijah for spreading his love to our family.
Funeral service will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 3:00 p.m, with visitation from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers and to celebrate his granddaughter Sofia, please send donations to Autism Ontario.
Leave a tribute for Michael Sorbara
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I was saddened to learn of Michael’s passing. It was an honour to have taught with him during my time in the mathematics department at Welland High. Mike was one of the most intelligent teachers that I have had the privilege of working with. I appreciated his honesty, integrity, intellect, and empathy for his students and staff. My wife Heather and I wish to express our condolences to Michael’s family. He will be missed, Fred Tonin
Michael was a kind and gentle man. He had great love for his wife and family. He was a great husband, father and nono. We were always welcome at his home to visit. He will be truly missed. Our deepest condolences to Dee, their children and grandchildren. Anthony and Anna Graffi, Ottawa
We are very sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Our sincerest and deepest condolences to the Sorbara family. Alessandro Cimino & family
To the Sorbara and Bruzzese family, Mike was always kind and gentle and such a smart man. His smile always lite up the room. Remember all the happy times you had together. He is now reunited with his parents and sister Gina. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace. Tina Giovinazzo
I knew Michael when we taught together in the mathematics department at Dunnville Secondary school. He was a fine fellow and I enjoyed his company. He made a great impression on me and I remember him well even after all these years.
Sincere condolences to the Sorbara and Bruzzese families on the passing of Mike. I remember him well from my younger days when we all lived on McAlpine. He was always kind, smart and soft spoken. Cherish the memories. Rest in peace, Mike. With sympathy, Nancy Giovinazzo and Anthony Stuart.
To the Sorbara family. My deepest condolences on the passing of Michael. May he rest in peace. Pasquale Giovinazzo
Pina, sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Take care. Janet, Dundee
I remember my dad, Phil Downie, who was the Principal at Welland High, talking about a math teacher at Welland High who helped him with computer programming and timetabling. It was a new way of simplifying a difficult task. It was very cool that I met that teacher, Michael Sorbara, years later. We met at the wedding of his son, Luigi and daughter-in-law Sarah. It touched my heart when he said « I loved your dad.» I’m sure that my dad had the greatest admiration for him as well. Two good men! I’m glad that they worked together!❤️
To Diamante and family our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Very sad to learn of Michael's passing. Deepest condolences to the Sorbara family. Michael was a kind soft spoken gentleman and my math teacher at Welland High Secondary school. A wonderful teacher and caring individual.
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Ron & Tina Furry (Giovinazzo)
We are sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. With deepest condolences.
Dear Comare Diamanté and family, We were saddened to hear of the passing of your husbandfather, Michael. Please accept our deepest heartfelt condolences for your loss. We are thinking of you and sending our love and prayers during this difficult time.
I will never forget Michael’s smile, and kind personality. He was a great man and will truly be missed. I am thinking about the family during this difficult time. Love, Rory.
Mr. Sorbara was a true gentleman, a calming voice, and always an interesting conversation. My deepest sympathies to Luigi and the entire Sorbara family. Frank DeChellis
It was our good fortune when Michael came into our lives with the marriage of our younger daughter, Sarah, to Michael & Dee’s eldest child, Luigi. Meeting Michael and Dee, Pina & Catherine, we were appreciative but not surprised by these lovely people’s successful parenting. Charming and always debonair, Michael epitomized the gentle in gentleman. A low key, calm manner, Michael nonetheless possessed an intuitive intelligence & a quick witted, wry sense of humour. You always left Michael’s presence with a smile on your face & awareness of his caring and empathy for others, so apparent in Michael’s interactions with his grand daughters. If “ death is not an end but a rebirth”, Michael is, doubtlessly, bringing laughter to those in the Great Beyond! Anam cara, Michael… much loved, never far away
Over the miles from California, sending condolences to the Sorbara family on Michael's family. Memories go back to our Eastdale High School days ... where Michael stood head and shoulders above his classmates with his educational brilliance. Rest In Peace my friend, for you have served your fellow man well while here down below ...
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. During high school, his sister Gina was a good friend, and she offered Mike’s assistance to help me understand some math/science problems that I couldn’t get. He made learning easy…
Michael was the 'braniac' of our high school class at Eastdale. Sometimes such a person is ostracized by other teenagers, but Michael was respected by all. I recall in Grade 13 Physics the teacher was taking up a problem and Michael said, "That could be done more easily with Calculus" and proceeded to show the teacher. The rest of us had never heard of Calculus before!
Michael was a good friend during high school at Eastdale and during my first year at University of Toronto. He was a kind, honourable and brilliant man. My sincere condolences to his family.
Our deepest condolences to the family. May he Rest In Peace.
Mr Sorbara was a man of great wit, kindness and humour who will be sorely missed. All of our love and prayers to his family in this time.
Our sincerest condolences to the Sorbara family at this time of sadness and great loss. Though we did not meet Michael personally, we know his kindness and zest for life live on in his daughter, our friend Pina. Ar dheist Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Our deepest condolences. He was a great, humble and kind man. Very sad that he left us this early. May God bless him and your family.
My beloved brother, thank you for being a outstanding big brother model in many ways. I'll miss your sense of humour and soft-spokeness. We'll miss you Mike. Love Eva
Services for Michael Sorbara
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
November 4, 2023 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
November 4, 2023 3:00 pm
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I was very sorry to hear of Michael Sorbara’s passing. I was fortunate to have been one of the many students he taught at Welland High School. He will always be remembered as a very caring and conscientious teacher. He was liked and well respected by students for his calm demeanour, humour, helpful feedback and willingness to provide extra help. He will be missed. I wish to extend my condolences to all of his family. With sympathy, Rose Falvo
~ Rose Falvo