Joseph D'Cruz

June 19, 1941 - November 5, 2024 Joseph ("Joe") D'Cruz, Professor Emeritus, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Filomena; sons Jason (Shadi), Andrew (Jessica), and Geoffrey (Danielle); grandchildren Cyrus, Sara, Freya, Ines, Ruby, and Niko; and brother Ken (Patricia). A son of Goan parents, Joe was born in Karachi in 1941, when it was still British India. After putting himself through university, he began his career with a leading Pakistani consultancy - but he always set his sights on the world beyond. In 1974, just a week after marrying Filomena, he moved with her to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he pursued a doctorate at Harvard Business School. Upon graduation, Joe began a distinguished, nearly forty-year career as a professor at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, and later became Director of its Global Executive MBA program, mentoring countless students. An expert on strategy, he could often be found on Canadian television, opining on the latest business news. His work as a consultant brought him to all continents save Antarctica. He established and directed Rotman's Health Leadership program, training leaders of the hospital systems that would one day care for him. Joe paired ambition and drive with kindness and generosity. He was a big-hearted, loving father, supportive of his sons in all their pursuits. And he was a kind and gentle husband, devoted to Filomena and the close-knit family they built together, including six grandchildren, all of whom will miss their Avô Joe. His peripatetic nature, enthusiasm for novel technology, pursuit of the spiciest foods, and passion for the uncharted will be fondly remembered. A funeral for Joe will be held 10:00 a.m. on November 11th at St. Basil's Catholic Parish, 50 St. Joseph Street, Toronto, with a private family burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Médecins Sans Frontières or SPRINT Senior Care. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com
Published by The Globe and Mail from Nov. 9 to Nov. 13, 2024.