The Toronto community is mourning the unexpected passing of Constable Leonid “Leo” Sonatin, a dedicated member of the Toronto Police Service, who tragically died on March 20, 2025, at the age of 38. Leo’s untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and the city he served so faithfully. Leo’s unwavering commitment to public service, his remarkable professionalism, and the profound impact he had on those around him have left an indelible mark on Toronto, and his absence is deeply felt by all who knew him.
Leo’s journey of service began long before his tenure with the Toronto Police Service. After growing up with a strong sense of duty and responsibility, Leo enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served as a combat engineer. During his time in the military, Leo demonstrated immense courage, dedication, and an unshakeable commitment to protecting others. He faced the challenges of combat head-on, always keeping the safety of his comrades and his country at the forefront of his mind. His service in the military helped shape the person he would become, instilling in him a deep sense of honor, discipline, and selflessness that would serve him well in his future career.
Following his service in the Canadian Armed Forces, Leo transitioned into law enforcement, joining the Toronto Police Service. Over the course of his career, he took on multiple roles, including police constable, investigator, and explosives technician. Each role was a testament to his professionalism, expertise, and commitment to keeping the city of Toronto safe. As a police constable, Leo worked diligently to serve and protect the people of Toronto, earning the trust and respect of both his colleagues and the community. As an investigator, he worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring justice to those who had been wronged. His work as an explosives technician further demonstrated his courage and dedication to public safety, as he managed the risks associated with dangerous materials to protect his fellow officers and the public.
Throughout his career, Leo exemplified the qualities of a true public servant. His professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to duty were evident in everything he did. He was never one to seek the spotlight or accolades; instead, he focused on making a real difference in the lives of others. Whether he was working on a high-risk operation or assisting a member of the community with a personal concern, Leo’s approach to his work was always characterized by integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of duty.
But beyond his professional accomplishments, Leo was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Amanda, their two young children, Andrea and Ezio, as well as his parents, Oksana and Sergiy, and his brother, Alex. His family was his greatest source of pride, and he made sure they always knew how much he loved them. Leo was a caring husband, a dedicated father, and a supportive brother and son. He placed the needs of his family above all else, always striving to create a better future for his children. His love for Amanda, Andrea, and Ezio was apparent to everyone who knew him. As a father, Leo was deeply committed to providing his children with the opportunities and support they needed to succeed in life. He wanted nothing more than to see them grow up to be strong, compassionate, and successful individuals, and he worked tirelessly to give them the best possible life.
In the wake of Leo’s tragic passing, his family, friends, and colleagues are left to cope with the overwhelming loss of a man who meant so much to so many. As they grieve, they are finding comfort in the support of their community and the many people whose lives Leo touched throughout his life and career. The impact Leo had on his community is immeasurable, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him to live with the same sense of purpose, integrity, and selflessness that he embodied.
To honor Leo’s memory and support his children’s future, a GoFundMe campaign titled “The Sonatins Children’s Education Fund” has been established. The campaign was organized by Jeff Clarke, a close friend and colleague of Leo’s, and aims to provide financial assistance for Andrea and Ezio’s education. Leo’s enduring love for his children and his desire to see them succeed were driving forces in his life, and this fund is an opportunity for the community to give back to a family that has given so much. The goal of the fund is to ensure that Andrea and Ezio have the resources they need to pursue their dreams, despite the tragic loss of their father. The campaign has garnered significant support from the community, reflecting the collective desire to support Leo’s family during this difficult time. The outpouring of generosity is a testament to the impact Leo had on those around him and the love and respect he earned from the people whose lives he touched.
Funeral arrangements have been made to celebrate Leo’s life and service. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the DeMarco Funeral Home (Woodbridge Chapel), located at 8003 Weston Rd, Woodbridge, ON L4L0K6. The visitation will take place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Family, friends, colleagues, and members of the community are invited to pay their respects and honor Leo’s memory during these times. The visitation will provide an opportunity for those who knew Leo to gather, share their memories, and express their condolences to his family. It will also serve as a time for the community to come together in support of Leo’s family, offering them comfort and strength as they navigate this difficult moment.
Leo’s passing has left a deep and lasting impact on the Toronto Police Service, where his colleagues remember him as a dedicated and dependable officer, always willing to go above and beyond for the safety and well-being of others. His loss is felt across the force, where Leo was known not just for his skills and expertise, but for his ability to mentor and support his fellow officers. He was a leader by example, someone who always put others first and who worked tirelessly to create a safer and stronger community. Leo’s legacy as a police officer will continue to inspire future generations of law enforcement officers, who will strive to live up to the example he set throughout his distinguished career.
The loss of Constable Leonid Sonatin is deeply felt not only across Toronto but beyond, as his dedication to service, both in the military and law enforcement, has left a lasting legacy of bravery, integrity, and selflessness. As the community comes together to support Leo’s family, his memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness, unity, and service. The life Leo lived, and the example he set, will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will live on in the community he served so faithfully.
