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
Larry Mancini
Ketty Brun del Re
Cara signora Maria e famiglia.
E con dolore che ho saputa della perdita del suo Mario. Le porgo le mie più sentite condoglianze. Lo ricorderò sempre così con quel suo bel sorriso e una buona parola per tutti.
Tina Garnham
Dearest Uncle Mario,
I will miss you so much. You were generous, charming fun and funny. At a family reunion, we could always count on a good time when you were there.
My deepest condolences to you, Auntie Maria, and to your children, grand-children and great grand-children.
Vincenzo Curro
To Mario’s family,
Please accept my deepest condolences to all of you. It has been an honour and a privilege to have been able to continue his legacy with Pastamore.
Sincerely
Vincenzo Curro
Susanne Fischer Major
My deepest condolences to the family. I have fond memories of Mario's cooking classes at the McGill Faculty Club and to this day, I still make his recipe for veal marsala!
With sympathies, Susanne Fischer Major
I have known uncle Mario my whole life. He was our neighbour and my parents closest brother in law. He never hesitated to please. We all remember his sense of humour and how we once squeezed 10 people in a Volkswagen and he stopped to pick up hitchhikers.
His memory will live forever: Mr Classy