Obituary of Dumitru Coltea

It is with broken and heavy hearts we share our saddest news, on Sunday, April 26, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. our dear and endlessly loved husband and father has gained his heavenly wings. Dumitru Coltea (Mitica/Jorj), born on 18th of October, 1935, in Bucharest, Romania, beloved husband of Elisabeta (nee Popovici) of 58 years, father of Maria Magdalena Oncea and Lia & Jeff Turner grandfather of Cristina & Sam, Kylie, Rebecca, Stephanie and Natalie. Brother of Elena, brother-in-law to Ana Coltea and Constanta Coltea, also Elena & Alexandru Beliciu. Uncle to Carmen & Nick Malfara, George & Cristina Coltea, Adriana & Constantin Tubeica, Costin & Tamara Beliciu, Daniel & Jessica Beliciu, in Canada, Roxana Coltea and Elena & Doru Tartavulea, of Romania. Great uncle to Alberto, Cassandra & Thomas, Daniel, Edward, Giancarlo, Andrea, Nicole, William, Sebastian, Ariana, Olivia, in Canada, and Alexandra, Eduard and Maria, in Romania. Loving God-father to Antonio and Elizabeth Spiridon, in Canada, Costel & Elena, Pompliu Dumitru and Maria Magdalena Nita, in Romania. Adopted Father to Arnoldo and Rebecca and Tataia to Oscar and Jacob Ramos. Dear fishing and hunting buddy of Sebastian Radu, dearest long time friend to Mundy & Violeta Bushinger (Germany), Elena & Culae Draghici (USA), Mara & George Blanaru, Aida & Levi Mezentei, Niculae & Kathy Nicola, Eddy and Miruna Rosu (Canada). Predeceased by his parents Ion and Niculina, and his mother and father-in law Tudora & Gheorge Popovici, his daughter Irina Cristina, sister and brother-in-law Maria & Constantin Toarba, brothers, Florea, Ion and Constantin, sister-in-law Mariana Leferman, brother-in-law Dumitru Scarlat, nephew George Toarba, and dear friends Nelu Marinescu, Dumitru Cornea & George Cocis. Dumitru, “Nea Mitica”, as most people in the Romanian Community knew him, was an avid outdoor sportsman, and great mechanic. His love for motorcycles and speed were often captured in pictures by friends at a young age. Having raced “The Death Wall” during his teens, nothing scared him. His passion was rebuilding engines, taking “nothing” and turning it into a “smooth sounding mechanical something”. Being the eldest child of six in an era when the eldest helped in the house, he began his apprenticeship at 13 years old learning all he could about industrial agricultural mechanics. Always wanting to learn, he succeeded at becoming one of the best mechanic instructors and testers of various agricultural machinery the country had during that period of time. He immigrated to Canada with his wife and daughters, in 1982. His biggest passion and love was his family, his wife, daughters and later granddaughters. He was the happiest man to be surrounded by “his girls”, he loved each one for their own unique self, he adored his “Printese”. He was a kind soul, could easily make friends and offer help to people he just met. Always hospitable, enjoyed celebrating life with friends and family in the wee hours of the day. His shirt was always big enough for everyone to be sheltered under. If it was small, he would give it away to those who need it. He was a great role model to his daughters, teaching them how to show compassion to people in need, respecting and loving their family, teaching them the difference between a wrench and a screw driver. Not to be afraid of worms or squeamish about eating a rabbit, while being the best dancers. His charming personality and passionate love for his wife was often shown in their youth. With age people become the pillars and close friends they are mend to be, and they did that enjoying the moments shared especially with their granddaughters, watching them on the soccer field or sharing time at home. He was the best father, friend, listener, to his daughters, a good provider for his family. Best grandfather ever, teaching the girls to fish and how to enjoy nature, sharing stories of his childhood and the times of war and monarchy, who he honoured through his stories. He had the biggest admiration for King Michael, who he had the honour and privilege to have met. He was a walking encyclopedia of events and life experiences he loved to share with anyone that would listen. To say he will be missed is an understatement. The family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to Dr. Cargill and Dr. Bergeron, all the staff at Hospice of Windsor, 6038 Empress Road. Also deeply grateful to RN John, Suzan, Mandeer of VON, e-shift PSW Maria of Care Partners, Steve and staff at IDA Westminister Pharmacy. All the VON/LHIN staff and coordinator Sharon McCarthy and for diligently making sure the best care was given around the clock to our husband and father. Thank you to all our family and friends that have been by our side through this most difficult time, for your kind words, friendship, spiritual guidance, understanding and just for being there for us. Thank you to Father Deian of St. George’s Romanian Orthodox Cathedral for prayers and spiritual guidance whenever we called upon you. ~ Straight line Daddy! ~ In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same, It broke our hearts to lose you, The day He called your name. You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always by our side. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Windsor Chapel Funeral Home, Banwell 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E 519.253.7234. Online condolences may be shared at www.windsorchapel.com. In memory of Dumitru donations to the The Hospice of Windsor/Essex would be much appreciated by the family. The Bereavement Authority of Ontario has instituted the following directive: “The new maximum number of people who can be at a funeral home at one time (not including staff) is 10 or fewer. This pertains to the entire funeral home.”