Obituary of Pietro Paolo GENTILE

1940- San Giovanni in Fiore, Cosenza, Italy 2013 – Calgary, Alberta Pietro Paolo Gentile, beloved husband of Serafina of Calgary, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at the age of 73 years. Paolo was born in San Giovanni in Fiore in Cosenza, Italy and was raised in the same town in which his parents grew up. His life changed when he met a girl from his hometown on a train to Rome. She was moving to Canada. They began to write letters and two years later (in 1967) he immigrated to Calgary and married Serafina, his wife of forty-six years. Together with Serafina, his extended family and hometown friends, they created a wonderful life in Canada. Paolo made a point of knowing each of his neighbors by name and became a second grandpa to a number of children in the neighborhood, early practice for his own grandson Marcus. Paolo will be remembered for finding levity and laughter in everything. He was happiest with his family and friends at mountain retreats and family events. Our family will always remember papa for his value of family, his giving nature and generous heart. Paolo is survived by his wife Serafina; his children, Joe (Monique), John (Stephanie), and Maria-Rosa (Vaden); and grandson Marcus. He is also survived by his brother Battista (Teresa); sisters, Angelina and Serafina (Vincenzo). In addition he is survived by his brothers-in-law, Tomaso (Vittoria) Durante, Pasquale Durante, and Giuseppe (Teresa) Durante, sisters-in-law, Maria (Frank) Aiello, Filomena Durante, Teresa Durante, Antonieta Durante, Virginia Durante, and Rosa Durante; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father and mother Giuseppe and Maria; father and mother-in-law Giovanni and Rosa Durante, brothers-in-law, Francesco Siletta, Saverio Durante, Salvatore Durante, Salvatore Olivito, and Domenico Alessio; and sister-in-law Caterina Alessio. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Catholic Church (1100 Berkshire Boulevard N.W.) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Paolo’s honour may be made directly to the Organ Transplant Team at the University Hospital Foundation, 1H1.91 Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Telephone: 780-407-7007, www.universityhospitalfoundation.ab.ca. Paolo’s family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the entire Alberta University and Calgary Organ Transplant Teams. In living memory of Paolo Gentile, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Telephone: 403-276-2296.