John Monasterski

John died peacefully with family by his side, October 3, 2025 at the age of 72 yrs. John continued to show great strength and optimism while coping for over two years with the progression of leukemia.

John was predeceased by his parents Jim and Betty and brothers Ernie, Jimmy and sister Millie. He is survived by his twin sister Judy (Mike Hatswell), Linda (Patrick O’Hara), sister in laws Christine, and Betty Mottershead. John valued family and always asked after the many nieces and nephews.

After graduating high school, John spent 20 years working full time at Dominion Stores until they closed.

John lived his life fully, and followed his many interests. He demonstrated his skill and love for mechanics and woodworking early on in high school and he excelled at both.

John bought his first car at 16yrs, an early 1960’s Austin Mini, and was shown the mechanics of the engine under the guidance from his father and older brothers. By the summer of 1970 he would join his brother Jimmy and cousin Bob Maznick, who raced Go Karts at Goodwood, where he would help out track side when engines broke down. This is where he met Scott Goodyear who progressed from go karts to be a professional driver on the Indy Car Racing Circuit where John would join the pit crew as a consultant travelling with the team throughout the U.S. He later worked for Leitner & Bush working on small engines using his diagnostic skills.

John joined his sister Judy in 1989 taking a course on how to be a part time black jack dealer at corporate casino events. By the summer of 1992 John decided to build his own blackjack table and started doing house parties with Judy. By 1993 they moved forward and registered their own business “Just in Time” Casino Entertainment. John set up his own wood working shop where he continued making a variety of gaming tables which expanded their business. They hosted client events such as fundraisers with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors, and provided casino entertainment to Mariposa Cruise Line for 18 years.

John in later years helped his good friend Bill to renovate his garage into a woodworking shop where they worked on cabinets and custom jobs. John’s skills in building gaming tables caught the eye of licensed casinos and he was engaged to work on custom jobs.

He was known for helping family with their mechanics, and house projects and many of us appreciated the craftsmanship he offered. Several of us benefitted from his “offering the family rate”.

John’s other interests included travel, camping, photography and annual fishing trips with his brother and cousins.

Having been born into a large family that enjoyed extended gatherings, playing cards, and sharing events, John always valued the times being with family.

Family and friends are welcome to gather, to remember, and to celebrate John’s life on:

Sunday November 2, 2025 from 1:00 - 3:00pm

55 Huntingdale Blvd., Scarborough, M1W 2N9

Meeting Room, Ground Floor (buzz code 537 )

Visitor Parking at rear of #55 or on street.