Zdravko Gagro

It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved father and grandfather Zdravko Gagro, who passed away on December 12th in his 93rd year. He was born on May 9th, 1933, to Stjepan and Mara (née Buntić) Gagro, beloved brother of Iva, Božana, Mirko, and Ivan Gagro. Preceded by his much-loved wife Neda (née Biokšić) Gagro in 2021, he leaves behind his children Darko, Steve, and Gloria, his son in law Vlado, and his grandchildren Ivana, Luka, Niko, Romeo, and Adrian. He also leaves behind a large extended family in Croatia and Hercegovina.

A devoted family man and proud patriot, Zdravko enjoyed passing on cultural traditions and the Croatian language, as well as his Catholic faith, to his children and grandchildren, and was an active member of the Croatian community in Toronto, where he moved with his wife Neda and son Darko in 1967. He took immense pride in his family, and was a never-ending source of support and wisdom, working tirelessly to provide for them first in Germany and later in Canada. Though he eventually built a life far from his homeland, he always ensured that his children and grandchildren maintained active ties with their Croatian family and heritage.

On December 26th, 2002 - the feast of St. Stephen, namesake of both his father and son - Zdravko received the gift of a life-changing kidney transplant. His family is so grateful that they got to have these extra decades with him, especially his grandchildren, who otherwise would not have had the chance to make so many memories with him over the years. In an effort to pay it forward, Zdravko volunteered at the hospital, acting as an ambassador to other patients experiencing similar medical issues and provided reassurance and hope that positive outcomes were possible. Despite the many challenges he faced throughout his life, Zdravko faced each one with dignity and positivity.

To his family and friends, Zdravko was incredibly loyal, always placing the needs of those he loved ahead of his own. The home he shared with Neda was always open, and he never judged anyone - he showed compassion and warmth always. An ultimate people person, Zdravko loved talking to everyone he met, getting to know them and helping wherever he could.

Like any true born and bred Hercegovci, Zdravko and Neda absolutely loved the sun. They enjoyed many happy winters in Mexico and Central America, making many friends that they vacationed with year after year. To their family, however, Zdravko is perhaps best remembered in his extensive garden, which he lovingly tended to over the course of decades. They will remember the fig branches he brought over from Hercegovina, which he hoped to plant to have a taste of home in Canada. While that experiment may not have been successful, his family enjoyed decades of homemade tomato sauce, jams, and bushels of vegetables, each grown and shared with so much care. Together with his beloved Neda, we know they are now tending to God’s garden together.

Visitation will be held at the Jones Funeral Home, 11582 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Rosary will take place at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at Queen of Peace Croatian Church, 9118 Winston Churchill Blvd., at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, Mississauga.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Croatian Queen of Peace church.