Obituary of Alberto Romano

May 12, 1931 – Altilia, Cosenza, Italy

April 15, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Zio, Alberto Romano, on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the age of 92 years. Alberto was born on May 12, 1931, in Altilia, Cosenza, Italy to Celeste and Maria Lucia Romano.

Alberto immigrated to Canada in December 1953 and settled in Calgary to join his older brother, Carlo. He was predeceased by his brothers Gaetano, Generoso, Carlo, and Virgilio, and his sisters-in-law, Ida and Maria. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Oliva and Sandra, both of Rome, Italy. He is also survived by his niece Lucia (Francois) Cousin, and Alberto (Maria Teresa) Romano; great-nieces and nephews, Xavier, Michela, Luca, Giulia, and Gabriele of Calgary; and numerous nephews and nieces in Italy.

As a new immigrant, Alberto embraced Canadian life and took on new challenges in a country that he knew little about. After a brief start as a baker, he found his true calling - working with people. Alberto began his entrepreneurial career first as a realtor with Burn Weber Real Estate, then as an insurance agent for New York Life. He then returned to real estate, forming his own real estate company, Realty World Tempo, with his long-time friend, the late Pat Rowland. Finally, up until his retirement in 1999, Alberto was a partner and owner of Statecraft Furniture with long-time friends Paul Grigolato, Remigio Volpi, and Frank Laratta. While at Statecraft Furniture, Alberto forged many relationships. Leading with his infectious personality, he always ensured that Italian families received nothing but the best.

Alberto was a pioneer and an integral part of the Italian community within Calgary and Alberta. In 1964, he actively participated in the liberalizing of “in-house wine production”. He was co-founder of the Calgary Italian Club and Calgary Juventus Club, a founder of the Calgary Italian School, and founder of the Calgary Italian Sportsmen’s Dinner and Calabrese Society, which he was so proud of.

Among his many achievements, Alberto received the Silver Medal Award of Achievement Queen Elizabeth II Royal Jubilee, the Alberta Achievement Award for Ethno Cultural Development, and Cavaliere Dell’Ordine della Stella della Solidarieta Italiana, awarded by the President of the Republic of Italy (Knight Designation) on June 2, 2006.

Over the years Alberto developed friendships with many people, none more so than with Serafino Scarpino and Darryl Raymaker. Together they shared a passion and vision for the Italian community, and they were in support of the next dream Alberto was planning. Our family is so grateful for their love, support, and friendship for Zio.

Our Big Zio was “Unico”, one-of-a-kind, a remarkable soul who embraced his immediate family as his own, despite remaining a confirmed bachelor throughout his life. For many years, he shared a home with his brother Carlo and sister-in-law Maria, forming a lifelong bond with them.

Lucia and Alberto meant the world to Zio, and they considered him to be a second father. For Lucia and Alberto and their children, Zio Alberto was their padrino and he shaped their lives in many ways. His presence was a constant source of love and guidance, and he was an integral part of the fabric of their lives. He taught us the value of family, education, hard work, and most importantly, the need to give back to the community and to preserve our culture. We remain forever grateful for the indelible imprint Zio Alberto has left on our hearts.

Alberto spent his last few years at Carewest Garrison Green. He forged many friendships and was always ready to have a conversation with whoever passed by. We are forever grateful to the staff, as the care and compassion that Alberto received was immeasurable.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Community (800 85 St SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Reception to follow at The Calgary Italian Club (416 – 1st Avenue NE, Calgary, AB).

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Romano’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Catholic Foundation, 1000 5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 4T9, bit.ly/ARomanoScholarship.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Alberto’s here.

In living memory of Alberto Romano, 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: 403-276-2296.

Click Here to Watch Alberto's Funeral Mass

“Le proprie tradizioni, certi profumi e alcuni sapori sono motivo della nostalgia e della memoria delle persone che vivono lontano dai luoghi di origine perché non sono riconducibili altrove”

Di questo Alberto ne è stato, fin dal primo giorno del suo arrivo in Canada, datato 30 dicembre 1953, ben consapevole.

Sapeva, infatti che per mantenere vivo l’amore per il proprio paese era importante tenere sempre vivi i ricordi e le tradizioni per poterle poi a distanza di anni insegnare e tramandare non solo ai figli di quella emigrazione ma anche alle così dette seconde e terze generazioni.

“One’s own traditions, certain scents and certain flavors are a reason for nostalgia and memory of people who live far from their places of origin because they can’t be traced elsewhere”

Zio Alberto has been well aware of this since the first day of his arrival in Canada. He knew, in fact, that to keep the love for one's country alive it was important to always keep the memories and traditions alive so that years later, he could teach and pass them on not only to the children of that emigration but also to the so-called second and third generations. For this reason, we are forever grateful to Zio Alberto.