Obituary of Horace Alexander Coelho

February 26, 1943 – June 2, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Horace on June 2nd, in his 83rd year, surrounded by the love of his family at The Village of University Gates in Waterloo, Ontario.

Horace will be dearly missed by Rita Coelho (née Fonseca), his loving wife of 52 years; his daughter, Chantal Sena (née Coelho), and her children, Carmine Alessandro and Ariana; his son, Craig (Christina) Coelho, and their children, Kalvin, Kolter, and Kendall; and his son, Carl Coelho. He will also be lovingly remembered by his siblings, Derek (Rowena) Coelho, Francis (Vivienne) Coelho, and Patricia (Quentin, deceased) Coelho. He is predeceased by his father, Patrick Coelho; his mother, Martha Coelho (née D'Cunha); and his brother, Kevin (Judy, surviving) Coelho.

Born in Karachi, India, in 1943, Horace earned his LL.B. in Bombay before beginning a long and rewarding career in sales and marketing. His professional journey took him from Colgate-Palmolive in Hyderabad to Canada, where he immigrated in 1972 and joined Pitney Bowes in Montréal, Québec — a role that carried him and his family through Ottawa, Sudbury, and ultimately Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. After 33 fulfilling years, he retired and followed in his father's footsteps by earning his real estate license, going on to practice with Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty in Kitchener.

Horace was an avid reader with an eclectic love of music. He cherished quality time at the cottage and travelled the world alongside his family. He actively supported various local philanthropic causes, such as Habitat for Humanity and ROOF (Reaching Our Outdoor Friends), SHOW (Supportive Housing of Waterloo), and served on the board of directors of St. Mary's General Hospital in Kitchener. He was also an involved member of the Knights of Columbus and President of the Parish Council at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Waterloo. Through it all, he lived life to the fullest.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, 173 Lourdes St., Waterloo on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Stephen Murrin officiating. Interment will follow at Parkview Cemetery. A reception will then be held in the church’s Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Waterloo Region Community Foundation in support of the Horace and Rita Coelho and Family Unsung Heroes Fund, established by its namesake, at wrcf.ca/coelho. This registered charity supports a broad range of benevolent causes throughout Waterloo Region.