Obituary of Emilio Talarico

August 15, 1926 – Bellevue, Alberta

November 7, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with unrelenting sorrow that we announce the passing of Emilio “Tal” Talarico, loving husband of Martha and father of Carol and Rob. Through the sadness, we are also deeply grateful for having him in our lives. By the grace of God, Dad passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Dad was born on August 15, 1926, near the Oldman River in Bellevue, AB, the middle of three brothers. Growing up, he enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and his dog. Dad loved hiking, fishing, and exploring the mountains. He had a curious mind and a great sense of humour. He loved sports, could fix or build anything, enjoyed good conversation, made good, lifelong friends easily, and loved to play chess.

After high school, Emilio worked for five years underground in the Bellevue Mine, saving his money to go to SAIT. After graduating from SAIT, he began his career in the oil and gas industry (Turner Valley, Stettler, Pincher Creek, and Calgary). Dad’s life revolved around Martha, his wife of 64 years. He instilled the values of family, hard work, education, and kindness in his children.

He was interested in everything, was always busy with a project, loved to travel, spend time with his family, and always had time to play chess and have fun. He encouraged his family to gain a deep understanding in a wide variety of subjects and enjoyed many trips throughout Canada, Europe, the US, and the Caribbean. Dad continued to travel and enjoy the mountains until his mid-90s! All his life, he has been a thoughtful, kind, gentle person whose motto was “If you can help somebody, then help them”.

Emilio is survived by his wife Martha, children, Carol and Rob; niece Gerdi (Karl) and her family in Germany; cousin Maria Capuzzo and her son Carlo in Italy; nephews, Joe and Don (Lisa), niece Patty (Ron) Roth and their families; and many relatives throughout Italy and Germany. He was predeceased by his parents, Giuseppe and Giuseppina; brothers, Johnny and Silvio; and half-brothers, Frank and Oresto. Dad lived a beautiful life, full of love until the very end.

We would like to thank all the medical staff for their excellent care and kindness in looking after Dad, especially Dr. Coetzee, Dr. Hanson, Dr. Bloomberg, Dr. Kreutzer, Dr. Van Essen, Dr. Wilderdijk, and all the staff at Provital Health.

In accordance with Emilio's wishes, he will be laid to rest with family in the Crowsnest Pass.  A private service will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Foothills Medical Centre (Epilepsy Clinic) www.my.calgaryhealthfoundation.ca/page/112838/donate/1?locale=en-CA, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6, Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

We will miss him forever. He was the best husband and father anyone could ever wish for.

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

In living memory of Emilio Talarico, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.