Civitarese, Antonio (Tony)
February 22nd, 1926 - November 29th, 2017

Antonio Civitarese, beloved husband of Delia passed away peacefully on November 29, 2017 at the age of 91. Tony was born in San Leonardo, Chieti on February 22, 1926. He served in the Italian army in 1947 – 48. Tony and Delia were married in San Leonardo December 26, 1948 shortly after serving in the military. Tony and Delia welcomed their first child Liviana in September of 1949. In 1950, Tony immigrated to Canada in search of employment. He worked in Nordegg, Fernie, and Galloway as a coal miner and in the sawmills. Delia and Liviana joined Tony in 1952. The family then moved to Trail, B.C. where Ugo was born and later on to Calgary where they settled. Marco was born in Calgary to complete the immediate family.

Tony completed training to become a barber and opened his own shop in downtown Calgary. Tony claimed the demise of this business was because of the introduction of the Beatles. He continued his trade as a barber in his home for friends and family for many years after. He went on to work for Natco and retired in 1989. Tony enjoyed his retirement with his passion of gardening and grafting of numerous trees throughout Calgary for friends and family. He loved visiting, sharing a meal, or playing cards. Tony especially enjoyed the autumn ritual of making wine (and various liqueurs). He will be truly remembered for his kindness and humble nature. Tony and Delia teamed up to help many friends and family who came to Canada whether finding a place to live or simply to share in a meal. The greatest tribute to his family was Tony’s sharing of his humor, his wisdom, and most of all his honest and fair nature. He was a man that recognized God’s guidance in his life and strived to live his faith. Tony always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye making the best of his and Delia’s numerous challenges. He loved to spend time or babysit his grandchildren and eventually his great grandchildren. He loved to dance and celebrate the joys of life at festivals, weddings, and holidays.

In the past seven years Tony continued to display his honorable and kind nature by visiting and spending everyday with his wife no matter what the weather or how he was feeling. This was a true expression of his love for Delia.

Tony will be missed by his wife Delia, his daughter Liviana Cardone (Gerry), his sons Ugo (Suzanne) and Marco (Maria), his grandchildren Remo Cardone (Jennifer), Lora Dunford (Clayton), Tina Cardone (Jeff Yaneza), Peter Civitarese (Carma), Jason Civitarese (Kyla), Carrie Dharamsi (Al), David Civitarese (Samy), and Andrea Civitarese (Ricky) and great grandchildren Martina, Christian, and Anthony Cardone, Eric and Emma Dunford, Jordan, Peyton, and Carter Civitarese, Kaleb and Lucas Dharamsi, and Milena Yaneza along with many relatives and friends in Italy and Canada.

The family would like to extend a thank you to all of the caregivers at Prince of Peace Manor and Harbor. The family appreciates the care and compassion provided to Tony. Thank you also to Dr. Cheema and special thanks to Florin who was not only a caregiver but a true friend through Tony’s last few years. Words cannot express our gratitude to you all!

The passing of Antonio Civitarese has left a huge hole in our hearts. Papa, Grandpa, Nonno, Tatarosso will never be forgotten and will be forever loved.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish (1714-14th Avenue NE) on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 10:30 am with tributes at 10:00 am. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

If friends and family so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Tony please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.