Benedict Kenneth Charles "Recka"

July 1950 - February 2025

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Benedict Kenneth Charles, affectionately known as "Recka."

Virtual Service

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual service will be available at the following link: Watch the Service.

Visitation Details

Friends will be received at Accettone Funeral Home (384 Finley Avenue, Ajax) on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of service in the chapel at 12:00 noon.

Interment

Interment will follow at Duffin Meadows Cemetery.

Dimitri "James" Peroff

October 1942 - March 15, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dimitri "James" Peroff on March 15, 2025.

Beloved and devoted husband of Aphrodite. Loving father of Angelo (Marie), Bill, George (Ginnie), Kathy, and daughter-in-law Donna. Predeceased by his son, Chris.

Cherished "Detho" to Nicole, Alexander, Jamie, Angelo Jr., Aris James, Phillip, Chris, Samantha, and Nicholas. Proud great-grandfather of Sawyer, Mia, and Gianna.

Visitation Details

Friends will be received on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Accettone Funeral Home, 384 Finley Avenue, Ajax (905-428-9090).

Funeral Service

A funeral service will be held at St. Nedela Macedonian Orthodox Church (485 Bayly St W, Ajax, ON L1S 6M7) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

Interment

Interment will follow at Duffin Meadows Cemetery.

Jean Folkes

March 1944 - March 2025

Jean Folkes was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She later migrated to Canada with the dream of building a better life for herself and her children. Through hard work and dedication, she became a well-respected member of her community, affectionately known as "Aunty Jean" by those who loved her.

Jean had a heart full of love and generosity. She approached everything she did with pride and gave her family and friends an abundance of care and affection. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and aunty who will be greatly missed.

Jean is survived by her two children, her son-in-law, and her three cherished grandchildren.

Service Details

Visitation:
Friday, March 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of service
Location: Accettone Funeral Home
Address: 384 Finley Ave., Ajax, ON

Funeral Service:
Friday, March 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM
Location: Accettone Funeral Home Chapel

Irene Holmes

December 1935 - February 2025

Obituary for Irene Holmes

Irene, a loving and devoted wife of the late Michael, passed away peacefully in February 2025.

Beloved mother of Fr. Michael, Christopher (Genevieve), and Brian (Kelly). Cherished Granny of Brandon, Faith, Lindsey, and Cailin. She was a loving aunt to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral Mass Details:

A Mass will be held on Friday, May 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Bernadette Church, 21 Bayly Street East, Ajax.

Gary E. Desroches

May 1942 - February 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary E. Desroches, who left us early in the morning on February 27, 2025, at Lakeridge Health Ajax-Pickering Hospital in his 83rd year. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Gary’s presence was a source of warmth and strength to those who knew him.

Born in Oshawa, Ontario, to Joseph (Babe) and Kathleen (Kay) Desroches, Gary moved with his family to Ajax in 1953. It was there that he built his life, becoming a respected and dedicated firefighter for the town of Ajax—a career he proudly served for 29 years before retiring in 1998. In 1990, he was honored with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal by the Governor General of Canada. His bravery, commitment, and camaraderie with his fellow firefighters defined much of his working life.

Outside of his career, Gary found joy in traveling the world with his wife, Marion, and their many friends. An avid golfer, he cherished his time on the course, especially when his game was going well. A passionate sports fan, Gary was a devoted supporter of the Toronto Blue Jays and took great pride in cheering for Canadian athletes on the international stage.

Above all else, Gary was a family man. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marion (McCosh), his son Lance (Karen), and his daughter Nikki. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Chanse, Brolin, and Brady, who brought him endless joy. He is also survived by his brother Brian Desroches (Sherri). Gary was predeceased by his beloved sister Shirley Tait and brother-in-law Robert Tait. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Gary was a man of integrity, warmth, and unwavering loyalty. He enjoyed a beer or rye in the company of friends and family, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories. His love, guidance, and humor will be deeply missed but forever treasured by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation & Celebration of Life:
A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Ajax Legion, 111 Hunt St., from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather in honor of the incredible man he was.

Donations:
In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Gary’s love of sports, donations can be made in his memory to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program, which helps children from families in financial need participate in sports—something Gary was deeply passionate about.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the emergency department and 2 West staff at Lakeridge Health Ajax-Pickering for their compassionate care of Gary over the past two years.

James Dean Burket Jr.

July 1938 – February 20, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Dean Burket Jr., who passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Pickering, Ontario. Born in Trinidad in 1938, James lived a life full of energy, laughter, and passion.

Known for his vibrant spirit, James had a deep love for soca music, cars, and a good party. He spent countless hours in the garage, tinkering with engines, always eager to share his knowledge. His infectious laughter and joyful personality made him easily liked by everyone he met.

One of five siblings, with three sisters and one brother, James had a large and loving family of his own. He leaves behind his beloved wife, seven children, and three grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his memory and carry on his legacy.

His passion for life, music, and automobiles will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Service Details

Visitation:
Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 12:00 p.m.

Funeral Service:
Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 1:00 p.m.

Carol Gallagher

November 1941 – February 24, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carol Gallagher on February 24, 2025. A loving and devoted wife to Arnold, Carol was the heart of her family, bringing warmth, kindness, and love to those around her.

She was a cherished mother to Carolyn (Daniel Gifkins), Arnold (Catriola), Ronald, Steven, and Robert (Rebecca). Carol was a beloved grandmother to nine grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to six.

Her love and guidance will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Service Details

Visitation:
Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Accettone Funeral Home
384 Finley Avenue, Ajax, ON

Mass of Christian Burial:
Monday, March 3, 2025 | 11:00 a.m.
St. Bernadette Church
21 Bayly Street East, Ajax, ON

Interment:
Resurrection Cemetery

John E.V. Jones

April 25, 1931 – February 19, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John E.V. Jones on February 19, 2025,
peacefully at his home in Campbellford, ON, at the age of 93.

John was born on April 25, 1931, in Gravesend, Kent, England. He studied architecture in Canterbury,
where he met his wife, Alison. After working in London as a professional architect, he moved his
family to Toronto in 1967 and settled in Ajax in 1968. For the next fifty-two years, John was an
active member of his community, enthusiastically volunteering his time at the Holy Trinity Anglican
Church, Rotary Club of Ajax, Ajax Municipal Housing Corp., and the local Business Improvement Association.

Known for his eloquence and sharp wit, John was never shy to share his insights at public meetings
and in letters to the editor. He was well known as the co-host of the Rotary Club’s televised bingo
on Cable 10, calling numbers by their nicknames ("66 - clickety-click!") and entertaining viewers
with his humor. He was instantly recognizable as the distinguished bearded gentleman driving his
red Triumph TR6 with the top down, no matter the temperature.

John opened an architecture office in the Ajax Plaza, and his distinctive designs are seen throughout
Durham Region, including Ajax Fire Station No. 2, the Ajax Hydro/Elexicon Building, Oshawa Fire
Station No. 4, and Brock Place plaza in Whitby. Outside of work, he enjoyed walking his dogs,
camping, carpentry, photography, and making music with his Rotary friends.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Alison; daughter Elizabeth Mathewson (Michael); son Christopher
(Claudia); niece Carol; grandchildren Alison (Eric), Vincent, Michelle (Kevin), Julia, and Elaine;
and great-grandchildren Silas, Jacob, Lily, Jack, Mark, and Cameron.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care John received from St. Elizabeth’s Health Care,
the Victoria Order of Nurses, Ed’s House, the Northumberland Community Paramedics, Connie Wilson,
Dr. Carlos Yu, and Dr. Kelly Parks. Special thanks to Elizabeth and Michael, whose love and devotion
allowed John to live out his life at home, surrounded by family.

A memorial service will be arranged at a later date.

He will remain forever in our hearts.

Michael Moore

October 1956 - February 2025

In Loving Memory

Born in Montreal, Michael Moore passed away after a hard-fought battle in his home in Ajax at the age of 68.

He is survived by his loving wife, Holly, and daughters Natalie (Rob) and Amanda. A proud grandfather to Kaleigh, Ryleigh, and Alyssa, he will also be deeply missed by his mother, Madeleine, and siblings Lynda, Kay, Nancy, Eric, and Paul.

Michael will be remembered for his strength, love for family, and unwavering spirit. He touched the lives of many and will be missed dearly.

Donation Details

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Michael’s memory.

Ian Hubert Tietze

March 20, 1971 - January 26, 2025

Ian Hubert Tietze passed away unexpectedly at Lakeridge Health Centre, Oshawa, Ontario, on January 26, 2025, due to complications arising from a stroke on December 15, 2024.

Ian is survived by his loving parents, Doris and Peter; his sister Arlene and her husband Michael; and his cherished nieces, Taylor and Meaghan. He will be dearly missed by his uncle Neil and aunt Gayle, his aunt Glenis and uncle Lionel, and their families.

He leaves behind many lifelong friendships, including his best friend Ron, fellow manager and friend Jimmy, and dear colleagues Alysha (and her parents), Carla, and many others who loved him.

Ian worked at Canadian Tire for over 35 years, spending many of his later years as manager of Sporting Goods and Seasonal. Known affectionately as "Relic" or "The Gentle Giant," Ian was a devoted Star Wars fan and a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs supporter. "Don’t tell me the score, I have it recorded at home!" was his signature greeting on game days. He also had a green thumb and took great pride in his garden, especially his red pepper plants.

Celebration of Life Details

Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: St. Paul's United Church
65 Kings Crescent, Ajax, ON
(Accessible facility, use the ramp off the west parking lot.)

Reception:
Refreshments will be served immediately following the service.