Obituary of James Edward Pesando

Professor James Edward Pesando, devoted husband of Patricia and beloved brother of John (Patricia), Frank (Stephanie), and Marie (Jason), passed away in Toronto on March 1, of 2021 at Princess Margaret Hospital. With the guidance of his Oncologist brother John and the loving care from his wife, Jim courageously defeated cancer 8 years ago, and roared back to life, resuming teaching, consulting, exercising, and traveling.  Jim is also survived by nieces Rachel (Michael) and Tia, and nephew John.

Born in Toronto on October 25 of 1946 to Mario and Dorothy (Hall) Pesando, Jim graduated from Brampton’s McHugh Public School in 1959 when that city was just a small farm town.  A happy childhood was interrupted when the AVRO Arrow jet fighter was cancelled by the Canadian government, forcing his family and many others to leave Brampton.  The Pesandos settled in Lexington, Massachusetts.  The move was stressful and transformative.  Eight years later Jim graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard College.  Jim then received a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley before returning to his beloved Canada in 1968.  After receiving his PhD in Economics from the University of Toronto (his father’s alma mater), he quickly joined the faculty and remained there throughout his career.  Jim was a popular professor, receiving many accolades and awards for his teaching.  In Toronto, he met and married the love of his life, Patricia Higgins.  In addition to teaching and research, in 1982, Jim founded a litigation consulting firm, J.E.P. Research Associates Ltd., where he worked with his dear friends and colleagues Douglas Hyatt and Elizabeth Gjata.

Jim’s hobbies included studying antiques, and he became expert in this area.  Jim loved to walk, and for decades he and Pat walked together several miles each day, both in the city and at their home in the country.  Jim could also be found regularly at the nearby university gym.  Jim’s easy manner and sharp wit will long be remembered.

The family especially thanks Elizabeth Gjata, Douglas Hyatt, and Brian Knapp for their unwavering support during Jim’s illness; compassionate and invaluable assistance made even more so by the corona virus pandemic.  The family is also grateful for the valuable medical expertise provided by Jim’s brother, John, both now and when Jim previously battled cancer. 

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe for family and friends to gather.  Donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Mario and Dorothy Pesando Scholarship in Engineering at the University of Toronto or the Canadian Cancer Society.  Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.