It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Joseph Edward Sammut, who left this world as he lived his life – on his own terms and surrounded by loved ones. Leaving peacefully on May 6th, 2026 at the age of 95.
Born in Toronto to the late Carmelo (Charles) and Emilia (Amelia) Sammut, Joe was the beloved brother of and is predeceased by John, Tom, Paul, Eddie, and Josie.
Joe’s forty-two year tenure with Spar Aerospace helped define a milestone in Canadian aerospace history with his contribution to the building of the Canadarm. He took great joy in watching the missions his work supported and made it his goal to meet the astronauts who put his hard work to good use aboard the International Space Station.
He brought that same dedication into his love of the outdoors, embracing a life rich with many passions including hunting, fishing, and conservation. Extending his hobbies into teaching taxidermy at North Albion Collegiate for over 25 years. He lived life with a sense of curiosity and purpose, purchasing land in Minden in 1950 and reforesting the land he loved over many years. Later he spent summers working with Inuit communities in Ungava Bay, Northern Quebec and Akuliak, Nunavut meeting sportsmen from around the world.
Joe married the beautiful love of his life, Betty (nee Macaulay) and raised five children together. They stayed in the Toronto area, having moved to Rexdale (Etobicoke) as the family grew in size. He is predeceased by his wife shortly after his retirement and in his fashion, continued to love and pursue his passion for the great outdoors.
Joe was blessed to share his life with and will be greatly missed by his children Katherine (Gerald), Joe Jr. (Andrea), Neil (Simone), Konnie and Holly. The tales of his adventures will live on through his grandchildren Benjamin (Saisha), Lindsay (Matthew), Janelle (Manny), Matthew (Anisha), Shelby and Meghan, along with his great grandchildren. He is fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.
We would like to thank the team at Victoria Village Manor in Barrie for their loving care and dedication to Joe’s comfort, dignity and sense of community for many years. You are all truly exceptional in your kindness and compassion.
Rest peacefully Joe, Dad, Grandpa, Nunu and Great Grandpa - we hope this is your chance to be among the stars on your next journey.
Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Monday, May 11th, 2026 from 2-4 & 6-9 pm. Funeral Mass will take place the following day on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 at 10 am at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie. Guests are invited to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home following the Funeral Mass for a reception inside the lower lounge. Interment will take place at the Assumption Catholic Cemetery, 6933 Tomken Rd., Mississauga.
A Livestream to view the Funeral Mass will be made available on the St. Mary's Church Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County or to High Park Nature Centre
and are greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com