Vaughan dedicates garden in memory of Tony Alati

June 10, 2022 11:30 a.m.
​The community-builder and coach is remembered for his passion and commitment to helping others


Today, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council joined the loved ones of the late Tony Alati to dedicate a garden at St. Jean de Brebeuf Parkette in his honour. His friends and family raised funds to have the garden installed and held a ceremony on his birthday – June 10.

During the dedication, Mayor Bevilacqua, Members of Council and Agnese Alati, Tony’s wife, extended greetings and Father Eugene from Immaculate Conception Church blessed the garden.

On April 3, 2020, Tony lost his battle with the COVID-19 virus. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, son, brother and coach to many young athletes.

Tony was a passionate sports fan who played baseball for the Vaughan World Series Slo-Pitch Baseball League with the Hornets and Orioles. He later served as vice-president of the league and helped co-ordinate and support more than 46 teams. In addition, for many years, Tony volunteered as a soccer coach for the Woodbridge Soccer Club, where he guided his daughter Arianna's team to several championship games.

In April 2022, Tony was posthumously named the 2020 Ward 2 Civic Hero and the award was presented during a Committee of the Whole (Public Meeting) to his friends and family.

Tony's commitment to community-building continues to have a positive impact in Vaughan and beyond. He was a founding member and president of the Carrying Place Ratepayers Association and an active member of the Catholic School Council for St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School and Father Bressani Catholic High School. Tony also served as a board member for St. Gabriel's Child Care Centre.

QUOTES

“Tony Alati has a lasting legacy of fostering friendship, service to the community and an unwavering commitment to helping others. His contributions to our city have made an immeasurable impact, and although he is no longer with us physically, his presence is surely felt. As a coach, mentor and friend, Tony went above and beyond every day in every way to change people's lives in a positive and meaningful way. I was pleased to recognize him posthumously as the 2020 Ward 2 Civic Hero and, today, name the Tony Alati Garden in his honour. It is a beautiful space where our community can come together to remember Tony and the positive change he made in Vaughan and beyond.”

-        Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

"The late Tony Alati, an early victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, was a model citizen through and through. Tony's passion for life, love of sports and spirit of adventure is what we will all remember of him. He remains a shining example of active community leadership and how the actions of one person can leave a lasting impact. The Tony Alati Garden at St. Jean de Brebeuf Parkette will serve as a reminder of his dedication to others."

- Councillor Tony Carella, Ward 2

QUICK FACTS

  • The Tony Alati Garden is at St. Jean de Brebeuf Parkette at 131 Golden Gate Circle.  
  • The late Tony Alati was named the 2020 Ward 2 Civic Hero during a special virtual ceremonial presentation at the Tuesday, April 5 Committee of the Whole (Public Meeting).

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