Bonomo SAVOIA

SAVOIA, Bonomo
January 6, 1922 - Ripa Teatina, Italy
July 2, 2013 - Calgary, Alberta
Bonomo Savoia of Calgary passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at the age of 91 years. Born on January 6, 1922 in Ripa Teatina in the province of Chieti, Italy, Bonomo married Giovina D'Orazio in 1941 shortly before he left to serve in the Italian army, and as a Carabiniere, in Sicily. In Italy, the first of his children, Antonio, was born in 1941 (who passed away two years later). Franco was born in 1945, Mario in 1947, Maria in 1951 (who passed away later that same year), and Gino in 1952. In search of a better life, he immigrated to Canada in April 1952, found employment with the CPR, and eventually settled in Calgary, where Giovina and their three sons joined him on December 23, 1954. Two more children followed; Julio in 1957 and Kathy in 1966. He also increased the size of his family in Calgary by sponsoring his brother-in-law, Alessandro D'Orazio, his nephew Nicola Savoia, and his parents Maria and Stefano Savoia, to Canada. He worked many years in construction as a carpenter, supported the development of the Italian Canadian community in Calgary, and eventually retired in 1987 after 15 years as a school caretaker. After retirement, he continued to enjoy the company of his friends, making wine, gardening and fishing while continuing to try and improve his life, and that of his family. He leaves to mourn, his children Franco (Barbara), Mario (Susan), Julio (Pam), Kathy (Scott) and Gino; seven grandchildren: Matthew (Christa), Marc (Trisha), Robert, Danielle, Stefano, Monica and Julia; and six great-grandchildren: Rhiana, Ethan, Jaden, MacKenzie, Natalie, Samantha; nephew Nicola (Maria); brother- in-law Alessandro (Anna); and their extended families in Canada and Italy. Bonomo is predeceased by his children Antonio and Maria; brother Camillo; his mother and father, Maria and Stefano; daughter-in-law Beverly Savoia; his loving wife, Giovina; a number of in-laws in Chieti and cousins in Cleveland, Ohio. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church (711 - 37 Street N.W.) on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Red Cross Society, Southern Alberta Region, 2nd Floor, 1305 - 11 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T3C 3P6 (Telephone 403-541-6100, www.redcross.ca) for the Calgary Flood Relief Fund. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Bonomo Savoia, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane.