Daniel Michael Bertoia |
Daniel Michael Bertoia
Daniel Michael Bertoia was born in North York, Toronto on March 27, 1990, the youngest and third child to Marisa and Steglio (Stan) and brother to Marco and Andrea.
Although he was a small baby, Daniel developed quickly into a vigorous and healthy child. He was very inquisitive and always asked questions. He had a fascination for how things worked and were put together and did not hesitate to take things apart. Daniel was gifted in the sense that he had a keen mind and things came easily to him in his formative years.
Daniel was naturally strong in physique. He was very athletic and excelled in all sports; particularly in soccer and hockey. Faced with having to make a choice between the two sports at a young age, Daniel focused his skills in Rep hockey: first in the GTHL with the Vaughan Rangers, then the Markham Islanders and finally the OMHA playing for the Richmond Hill Stars. He was Assistant and Captain on many of these teams and was a strong leader and role model both on and off the ice. Daniel always wore #11 and that number was and is strongly associated to him by everyone.
Daniel graduated from De La Salle "Oaklands" (Del) High School in 2008. At Del he made great lifetime friends. He played on both the junior and varsity school hockey teams. In 2008, Daniel was accepted to the university of his choice, Ryerson University in the Bachelor of Commerce program.
Daniel was especially dedicated to his family, friends, and young children. He always watched over younger children and could not pass by without admiring a baby and giving a smile. Babies in turn were captivated with Daniel. A natural comedian, Daniel loved to make people laugh. He was genuinely interested in people and loved a good conversation, especially with family and friends around the dinner table.
Daniel took pride in his identity: who he was, what he stood for, where he lived, his school, the community, his friends and his family. He loved animals, especially dogs. After many years of "asking" for a dog, Daniel finally got his dream dog, a beagle named Leo. Leo reflects many of the qualities that endeared Daniel to anyone who knew him: loyal, cute, strong, fast, smart, a love for people and loved by all.
Daniel was also talented in music. He played the clarinet at school and he taught himself to play the piano, guitar, and the harmonica. Like other children, Daniel enjoyed playing video games and the challenge of the "latest" system and game. He was a good salesman and actively sold items on eBay and Craigslist. He was also very interested in fast cars, especially his favorite, Ferraris.
On February 15, 2007, Daniel was diagnosed with a brain-stem tumour. He underwent radiation treatment followed by chemotherapy. Despite the illness, Daniel maintained his active lifestyle including regularly going to school. When the symptoms of the illness took a turn for the worse, Daniel was lovingly and professionally cared for at home by his Care Team and family, especially his mother and siblings. Daniel never once complained about his illness or asked "Why me?"
Daniel held his own for 18 months. On August 20, 2008, at the age of 18, Daniel succumbed to the illness.
Daniel's faith, courage, strength, passionate love of life and devotion to his family and friends has and continues to inspire many.
Although he was a small baby, Daniel developed quickly into a vigorous and healthy child. He was very inquisitive and always asked questions. He had a fascination for how things worked and were put together and did not hesitate to take things apart. Daniel was gifted in the sense that he had a keen mind and things came easily to him in his formative years.
Daniel was naturally strong in physique. He was very athletic and excelled in all sports; particularly in soccer and hockey. Faced with having to make a choice between the two sports at a young age, Daniel focused his skills in Rep hockey: first in the GTHL with the Vaughan Rangers, then the Markham Islanders and finally the OMHA playing for the Richmond Hill Stars. He was Assistant and Captain on many of these teams and was a strong leader and role model both on and off the ice. Daniel always wore #11 and that number was and is strongly associated to him by everyone.
Daniel graduated from De La Salle "Oaklands" (Del) High School in 2008. At Del he made great lifetime friends. He played on both the junior and varsity school hockey teams. In 2008, Daniel was accepted to the university of his choice, Ryerson University in the Bachelor of Commerce program.
Daniel was especially dedicated to his family, friends, and young children. He always watched over younger children and could not pass by without admiring a baby and giving a smile. Babies in turn were captivated with Daniel. A natural comedian, Daniel loved to make people laugh. He was genuinely interested in people and loved a good conversation, especially with family and friends around the dinner table.
Daniel took pride in his identity: who he was, what he stood for, where he lived, his school, the community, his friends and his family. He loved animals, especially dogs. After many years of "asking" for a dog, Daniel finally got his dream dog, a beagle named Leo. Leo reflects many of the qualities that endeared Daniel to anyone who knew him: loyal, cute, strong, fast, smart, a love for people and loved by all.Daniel was also talented in music. He played the clarinet at school and he taught himself to play the piano, guitar, and the harmonica. Like other children, Daniel enjoyed playing video games and the challenge of the "latest" system and game. He was a good salesman and actively sold items on eBay and Craigslist. He was also very interested in fast cars, especially his favorite, Ferraris.
On February 15, 2007, Daniel was diagnosed with a brain-stem tumour. He underwent radiation treatment followed by chemotherapy. Despite the illness, Daniel maintained his active lifestyle including regularly going to school. When the symptoms of the illness took a turn for the worse, Daniel was lovingly and professionally cared for at home by his Care Team and family, especially his mother and siblings. Daniel never once complained about his illness or asked "Why me?"
Daniel held his own for 18 months. On August 20, 2008, at the age of 18, Daniel succumbed to the illness.
Daniel's faith, courage, strength, passionate love of life and devotion to his family and friends has and continues to inspire many.