Vaughan mourns victims of mass shooting at Bellaria Residences with candlelight vigil

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 3, 2023
Brian Capitao

An ember of hope shines on as members of the Vaughan community gathered to mourn and grieve for the lives of the victims lost in the mass shooting in Vaughan that killed five people.

Mourners carried white candles in their hands at the Vaughan City Hall courtyard on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 21, with members of the public joined by the families of the victims as well as dignitaries and leaders of various religious faiths.

The sombre event before the coming holiday, made many take pause.

“I have to be honest. I'm not sure that any one of us has the words that can adequately convey exactly how devastated and heartbroken we are as a community for all of you, for your loss,” said Mayor Steven Del Duca in a formal address.

“As a community we are still very much in the state of disbelief about the horrific act of violence that occurred in our city this past Sunday. An attack that killed five innocent people, five innocent victims and injured an additional one. An act that devastated families and friends who are left at this point with far more questions than answers,” said Del Duca.

Friends and family reflected on both the tragic circumstance around the deaths of the victims but also remembered the good in the individuals that they lost.

“We knew Naveed and we used to go coffee all the time, and we kind of grew apart. Recently, I kind of reconnected with him. He was always so nice, very kind person, very hardworking, and just a kind-hearted individual. He would do anything for anyone,” said Rhonda Parente of Naveed Dada, the 59-year-old realtor who was one of the victims.

Parente was joined by Lucy Derasmo, who too was grieving and attended the vigil to honour friends. Derasmo was close with the Vittorio Panza and Rita Camilleri, who were husband and wife.

“They were a wonderful couple. Very sincere, very loving. They just loved to dance and socialize with friends. And any time there was any event happening where there was dinner, dancing, they were my first go-to people. They always attended all the events and wanted to support and go and have a good time,” said Lucy Derasmo.

Waves of emotions undulated as people held back tears and tried to reminisce about the good times.

“What makes this specific condo community special is that it brought people of every faith and heritage and age together. And for many of us, you'll remember vividly the holiday parties, the sharing of traditions, the laughter and love that they shared among each other. And so tonight, as you remember, Rita, Vittorio, Russell, Lorraine and Naveed, we remember them for representing the best of our community and our country. And we stand with the families. We stand united in prayer, for our city,” said MPP Stephen Lecce.