Obituary of Gabriele (Gabe) Leonard Brandelli

March 7, 1934 - Antrodoco, Rieti, Italy
November 30, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gabriele (Gabe) Brandelli on Monday, November 30, 2020.  
 

Dad had a long career with Field Aviation working as an aircraft upholsterer. But it was in his retirement that Dad found his true passion: working at the Air Museum (now the Hangar Flight Museum) restoring vintage aircraft. He was one of the last craftsmen left who was able to cover vintage planes with fabric and ‘dope’ them afterwards, Dad found great joy and pride in restoring many of the planes that can be seen at the Air Museum, Heritage Park’s Gasoline Alley and the Petro Canada building. He had an amazing talent for working with his hands and his projects spanned everything from starting plants in his greenhouse, making fibreglass repairs on exotic race cars to reupholstering furniture and car seats. He was meticulous and his work was precise to the point of perfection. Although Dad enjoyed his many projects, he was happiest when surrounded by the noise and chaos of family gatherings. 
 

Gabriele will be missed by Rita (nee Zaghetto) his wife of 61 years, his children, Bruno (Debbie), Noreen (Alan), Dean (Linda) and Nadia (Graham) and his beloved grandchildren, Anthony (Janet), Jeremy (Rusha), Alyssa, Taylor (Eric), Jared, Michaela and Kinleigh.  Gabe also leaves behind extended family in Canada, the U. S. and Italy. 
 

Dad’s funeral will be held on December 4, 2020, at 10:30 a.m.; because of the current COVID 19 restrictions, this service is limited to immediate family only it will, however, be live-streamed through https://vimeo.com/event/520752. Once the COVID 19 restrictions have been lifted, we look forward to celebrating Dad’s life with our extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church.  When using the link below please choose “Saint Vincent de Paul” from the dropdown list that is beside the “To:” https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1201636. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gabe’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Our family would like to thank the caring staff of 3E at the Dr. George Boyack for the exceptional care that Dad received.

In living memory of Gabriele Brandelli, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.