Longtime Vaughan councillor's daughter dies from cancer

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 22, 2017
By Tim Kelly

A longtime member of Vaughan City council has been hit by tragedy as Ward 2 Coun. Tony Carella announced Saturday that his daughter Dawn had died after a long battle with cancer.

"I am saddened to inform you of the death of Dawn Petrasso, daughter of Coun. Tony Carella and Dr. Franca Damiani Carella, following a four-year-long struggle with cancer," Carella said on his personal Facebook page late Saturday night.

Many offers of condolence were made on the councillor's Facebook page from friends and family on hearing the sad news.

"We know of your incredible struggle over the years to bring Dawn back to health. At least you can now know that she is at peace," Ward 5 Coun. Alan Shefman said.

Liz Carinci said: "I had the pleasure of working with Dawn at the Chancellor Community Centre. Very saddened by this news. She was a lovely person."

Ward 4 Coun. Sandra Yeung Racco said: "The memories of her will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew her."

It was not Carella's first brush with cancer, unfortunately.

The councillor spoke about his history with the disease when he accepted the position of honorary chair for Vaughan's inaugural relay for life back in March 2013.

"I'm one of seven, and four of my siblings have had it (cancer). Three are survivors. My sister is going for surgery next month, my oldest brother didn't make it. And I'm sure that each one of us has a story that we can tell and that's what gives meaning to this effort and this event," Carella said.

Visitation for Dawn Petrasso is on Tuesday, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home, 4671 Highway 7, Woodbridge. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, 9.30 a.m., at St. Clare of Assisi Church, 150 St. Francis Avenue, Woodbridge, followed by entombment at Queen of Heaven Cemetary, 7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge.