Obituary of Rosario Gentile

March 16, 1936 – Staletti, Catanzaro, Italy

January 16, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rosario Gentile of Calgary, AB, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the age of 88 years.

Rosario was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Pasqualina Gentile (née Corasiniti), with whom he shared a beautiful life with for 61 years. Together they built a warm and loving family—a testament to their unwavering commitment to each other and their shared values.

Rosario was the proud father of three children: Antonia, Joe, and Greg (Francesca) Gentile. He cherished every moment spent with his family, imparting knowledge, kindness, the importance of being a hard worker, and a deep sense of love that will forever resonate in their hearts.

As a grandfather, Rosario found immense joy in his five grandchildren: Michael, Marcello, Lily, Luke, and Deangelo. He delighted in their achievements and milestones, creating cherished memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Rosario also has family in Calgary and Italy, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

During his childhood, Rosario focused on contributing to his family’s livelihood. Rosario was identified to have a high academic potential at an early age by the teachers at his elementary school. At the age of twelve, like many children of that generation, he had to stay in his hometown of Staletti to take care of his father’s farm, tending to his olive groves and vineyard.

He worked on the farm until he turned 18 and served in the military as a communication officer while he was stationed at the military base in Mestre, near Venice, Italy for a year.

In 1960, Rosario immigrated from Italy and took his first steps on Canadian soil at the port of Halifax, Nova Scotia. On February 2, 1960, Rosario made Calgary his home and it was at this point the Gentile name entered Canadian society. Canada provided him opportunities for a future that he could not have in Italy. He loved the freedom of being part of a just society. In that same year, he worked in Saskatchewan laying a gas pipeline for six months. He worked in the construction industry for a period of time, then for ATCO making trailers. On February 2, 1964, he married his lovely and incomparable wife, Pasqualina Corasiniti. On April 4, 1964, he started working for Canadian Pacific Railway and worked there for 32 years before retiring.

Rosario was known for being a hard worker. His intelligence, strength, resilience, and warmth were qualities he brought to everyone he met. His legacy of love, laughter, and support will continue to inspire all who knew him. His stories and life experiences will remain with all who were fortunate to listen and be a part of them.

Rosario was an avid gardener and loved his greenhouse. He also enjoyed making homemade wine, sausages and salami, pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce. He and his wife loved to travel to Italy and Mexico with their close friends. He enjoyed playing bocce, cards, watching soccer, and doing his daily word-searches.

Thank you to Dr. Angela Kealey and the staff at the Calgary Heart Centre at the Foothills Hospital for the exceptional care and unwavering support over the years, Dr. Bernice Fonseca and the staff at the Calgary East Health Clinic, as well as Kim Jackson and all the Homecare caregivers. A final thank you to the wonderful care from Dr. Ben Wilson and his team in Unit 39 at the Peter Lougheed Hospital, in his final days.

Rosario was predeceased by his father Giuseppe and mother Antonia Sestito.

Rest in peace, dear Rosario. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In honoring Rosario’s wishes, a private service will be held for immediate family.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

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

In living memory of Rosario Gentile, 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.