Ante Kutlesa Hamilton, ON Obituary, Death- The city of Hamilton, Ontario, is mourning the loss of one of its most respected and beloved residents, Ante Stanko Kutlesa, who passed away on April 8, 2025, at the age of 51. A cherished figure in Stoney Creek, Ante was not only known for his professional achievements but also for the warmth, integrity, and unwavering compassion he brought into every corner of his life.
Ante was born into a loving and devout Croatian-Canadian family. He was the son of Stanko and Mara Kutlesa, both of whom instilled in him strong values centered on faith, community, and service. His father, Stanko, passed away in 2015, and his mother, Mara, in 2013—both leaving behind a legacy that Ante would continue to carry with grace and dignity.
Ante’s upbringing in Hamilton was steeped in cultural tradition and spiritual grounding. His family’s roots in the local Croatian Catholic community shaped his sense of identity and purpose from a young age. These early foundations would guide him throughout his life, influencing both his professional path and his deep commitment to serving others.
Professionally, Ante wore many hats, each one carried with immense pride and passion. He served as a Business Process Owner, a role in which he excelled through sharp insight, organizational skill, and a collaborative spirit. But it was his calling as a Pastoral Counselor that truly defined the essence of his life’s work.
Ante was not just a counselor—he was a beacon of hope and strength for those navigating life’s challenges. Whether offering spiritual guidance, emotional support, or simply a listening ear, he was always present for those in need. His ability to empathize, comfort, and uplift made a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.
In February 2021, Ante took his lifelong commitment to helping others a step further by founding the Kutlesa Foundation, a nonprofit charity based in Hamilton. The foundation was created to serve as a platform for community outreach, spiritual support, and charitable efforts across the region.
Through the foundation, Ante spearheaded initiatives aimed at mental health awareness, family support, youth mentorship, and cultural preservation. His work through the organization exemplified the true meaning of giving back, and his efforts were felt far beyond the walls of the foundation’s offices.
The Kutlesa Foundation remains a living testament to Ante’s unwavering belief in human dignity and kindness—a mission that will continue to carry forward his vision in the years to come.
Ante’s passing has sent waves of grief throughout Hamilton and beyond. To many, he was a mentor. To others, a confidant. And to all, a man of immense kindness and integrity. His loss is particularly deeply felt among the Croatian community, where he was an active participant in cultural and religious gatherings, always bringing people together with his trademark smile and calming presence.
Friends, colleagues, parishioners, and neighbors alike remember Ante for his humility and his dedication to others. Whether volunteering his time, leading charitable initiatives, or offering words of encouragement, he consistently demonstrated what it means to live a life in service to others.
One close friend remarked, “Ante didn’t just talk about faith—he lived it. He was there for people when it mattered most, and his absence leaves a void we can only hope to fill by following his example.”
A visitation for Ante Stanko Kutlesa is scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025, at Markey-Dermody Funeral Home, located at 1774 King Street East, Hamilton, ON. Family, friends, and community members are invited to gather during two scheduled sessions—from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM—to pay their respects and celebrate a life lived with purpose and heart.
It will be a solemn yet uplifting occasion, honoring not only Ante’s achievements but the kindness, strength, and love he shared with everyone who crossed his path.
Ante leaves behind a loving extended family and countless individuals who were touched by his compassion and spiritual guidance. Though his passing marks the end of a profound earthly journey, the values he championed—faith, service, and love—continue to thrive in those he left behind.
His life reminds us all of the importance of showing up for others, of building bridges where there are divides, and of lifting each other with words of hope and acts of grace.
As the Hamilton community grapples with the loss of Ante Stanko Kutlesa, there is comfort to be found in remembering his example. In every prayer he offered, every hand he held, and every cause he supported, Ante left behind more than memories—he left a call to action.
To those mourning his loss, his legacy is an invitation to live with intention and to serve with an open heart. In a world often rushed and distracted, Ante’s presence was a quiet but powerful reminder that each of us can be a source of light.
In the words of one of his favorite blessings: “May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Rest in peace, Ante Stanko Kutlesa. Your journey here may be complete, but the path you carved continues to guide us all.
