Legacy

The DeDivitiis family outside of Gord's Place in 2012. From left, Sergio, Paul, Mike, Paul Sr., Carlo and Enzo.

The De Divitiis Dynasty

It's no secret. The De Divitiis name is renown in Niagara for providing the finest in dining and entertainment venues. Throughout the years, the family has operated some of the region's most popular and diverse bars, restaurants and lounges.

When founder and father of the family Paulo De Divitiis passed away on Dec. 29, 2012, he left behind a legacy admired by many and carried on by his sons.

Recently the family has shared events of both somber and celebratory natures, with the community.

PHOTO COURTESY BRENDA BALDWIN

[On Wed. July 17th] "Thorold's mayor Ted Luciani unveiled a street sign recognizing the section of Front St., south of Clairmont St. and adjacent to the Moose & Goose tavern, as ‘Paul De Divitiis Sr. Way’", wrote Jeff Blay, of Thorold Niagara News.

Jeff Blay stated " Hundreds of friends, colleagues and community members gathered at the Moose & Goose for the special ceremony honouring the late De Divitiis and his special place in the Thorold community."

A memorial golf tournament to Paul De Divitiis was held on Wed. July 24th. 

On Fri. July 26th ENVY Lounge, St Catharines' LGBT Nightclub and Lounge celebrated its 4 year anniversary with its 5th annual Black and White Ball.

PHOTO COURTESY JAYWALK.CA

The next day, the tone was somewhat more subdued as another of the family's fine establishments, Stella's Dining Lounge, on James Street in St Catharines, closed its doors forever.

But dry your eyes, as you won't have far to go to find another De Divitiis treasure. The family resurrected Gord's Place - just down the street from Stella's- last year.

In its prime Gord's Place was Niagara's most popular and infamous eatery and nightclub. Although the property enjoyed success over the years under other monikers, including The Honest Lawyer, none of them could replace the uniqueness of Gord's and the De Divitiis family was proud to bring that feeling back to life.

What's next for the De Divitiis dynasty?

We can't say for sure, but you can bet they will be gems, shining as brightly as the man who came to Canada from Italy in 1954 with high hopes and a dream.

A vision which Paul De Divitiis worked hard to turn into reality - with grace and generosity, and which will live on within the hearts and souls of the entire De Divitiis family forever.