INGRATTA, Umberto Ingratta

December 24, 2025

77 years, passed away on Wednesday, December 24th, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Villa Canale, Italy, to his parents, the late Felice and Fiorina Ingratta. Beloved husband of Albina (Porrone), with whom he shared 54 years of marriage and a beautiful life built on love. Dear father of Felice “Phil” Ingratta (Elizabeth), Lora Caradonna (Alfio), and Fabrizia Couteiro (Augusto). Above all else, devoted and proud Nonno to Chiara, Arianna, Salvatore, Maximillion, Dario, and Sofia, who each brought immense joy to his life. Brother of Clotilde DiMenna (Alfredo), and brother-in-law of late Alessandro Porrone (Enina), late Mario Porrone (Aminta), Franco Porrone (Cristina), Guido Porrone (Nelda), Vittoria Porrone (Bino). Umberto will be deeply missed by many nieces and nephews, both here and in Italy.
At the young age of 14, Umberto immigrated to Canada in 1962. Later in 1968, while continuing his work in construction, Umberto and his father opened The Pop Shoppe in Leamington. It was there that Umberto earned the affectionate nickname “Pop Shoppe,” a name that followed him for the rest of his life and spoke to the pride he took in honest work and warm hospitality.

In 1980, alongside his beloved wife Albina, Umberto continued with the opening of La Molisana Café, which soon became a cornerstone of Leamington’s Italian community. Rooted in tradition, dedication, and pride in their heritage, the café reflected the values Umberto and Albina lived by. Its warmth extended far beyond one culture -La Molisana welcomed people from all walks of life. It was a place where neighbours gathered, conversations flowed freely, and everyone was treated with kindness and respect. Over countless cups of coffee, friendships were formed, stories were shared, and a strong sense of community took shape within its walls.

Umberto found joy in life’s simple pleasures. In his early years, he enjoyed hunting, had a lifelong passion for automobiles and everything that came with them, and above all cherished playing cards. Nothing brought him greater happiness than a game of Scopa shared with friends and family, where laughter, friendly competition, and storytelling filled the room.

Villa Canale was always in his heart. He was always so proud of his hometown that his Fascianella Family would often joke that he should have been the mayor. Umberto will also be deeply missed by his McDonald’s crew, who knew him not just as a familiar face, but as a true friend whose presence brightened their days.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Drs. Deklaj, Matthews, McLarty, Almeida-Gonzalez, & DeMarco as well as the nurses at Windsor Regional Hospital, 5 North, for their exceptional care and compassion.
Visitation will be held at Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Sunday 2-5 & 7-9 pm. Mass of the Resurrection at St. Michael’s Church, 29 Elliott Street, Leamington on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 11 a.m. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made by cheque to Erie Shores Health Foundation.
Umberto has left a great void in the hearts of those who loved him in Canada, Italy, Argentina, and South Africa. He will be forever missed and always deeply loved.