Giorgio Mammoliti, who once served as a city councillor in Toronto and as a provincial MPP, has passed away at the age of 64.
His son Christopher shared with that his father died in the hospital on Wednesday while surrounded by family.
“We are obviously devastated and are left with a tremendous void,” he said. “Dad loved his family, his community and our beautiful city.”
“We respectfully ask for privacy at this time but will be sure to share the viewing information as it becomes available.”
No immediate cause of death has been reported.
Mammoliti was an NDP member of provincial parliament from 1990 to 1995 and served on Toronto city council from 1998 until 2018. He also made two attempts to run for mayor.
On social media Wednesday, Donna Skelly, speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, expressed “sincere condolences” to Mammoliti’s family on behalf of the assembly.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow stated that Mammoliti “served the public for many years.”
“I extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to all those mourning his loss today,” Chow mentioned in her statement.
Giorgio Mammoliti, left, speaks while Rob Ford, centre, and his brother Doug Ford listen during a council meeting in Toronto on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)
In a post on social media, Coun. Mike Colle called Mammoliti’s passing “tragic,” noting that he had been “fighting for his life” at Sunnybrook hospital.
“Condolences to his family and friends and may Giorgio’s memory be an eternal blessing,” Colle added.
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Giorgio Mammoliti, centre, stands with fellow city councillors in Toronto in July 2018 as they voice their support for the province’s Better Local Government Act at the Ontario Legislature. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)
Mammoliti entered politics through the provincial NDP becoming an MPP for Toronto when he was just 28 years old.
He held six terms as a member of Toronto city council from 1998 until 2018 , first representing North York Humber from 1998 until 2000 , then York West from 2000 until 2018. Before amalgamation , he served as North York City councillor from 1995 until 1998.
At city hall , Mammoliti was known for being outspoken , often stirring up controversy. He wasn’t unfamiliar with scandal or ethics complaints either.
Among notable controversies , he referred to criminals living in social housing as “cockroaches,” suggested transforming Toronto Island into a red-light district , and staunchly defended Rob Ford during late mayor’s crack cocaine scandal.
While serving on council , Mammoliti held membership on Rob Ford’s executive committee.
He also advocated for building an impressive 125-metre flagpole near Highway 400 and Finch Avenue as a “gateway” into his ward; however , this proposal didn’t unfold as intended.
Mammoliti faced defeat during re-election efforts in 2018 after Ward 7 underwent expansion due to Ontario Premier Doug Ford redrawing the city’s ward map.
Later on , he unsuccessfully campaigned for mayor of Wasaga Beach before losing against Olivia Chow during Toronto’s byelection held in2023.
“Giorgio was well-known within our community across Ontario,” Smith stated. “We honor him for being committed public servant while keeping those grieving him close within our thoughts.”
Councillor Ellen Timms from Wasaga Beach offered her sympathies too toward families, friends, and supporters noting she got acquainted with him more closely during last municipal campaign.
“. During this period, I found him embodying what many people say.. charming, self-assured, yet undeniably unconventional. He stood out wherever,” Timms remarked via Facebook post.<p“Public life demands resilience along with strong voice, and Giorgio certainly possessed both qualities. His loyal followers will remember him fondly.”
