Obituary of FRANCO – Paolo

December 23, 1925 – May 19, 2011 It is with great sadness that the family of Paolo Franco of Calgary announce the passing of our beloved father, Nonno and great grandfather on Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the age of 85 years. Paolo was born in Sepino, Italy on December 23, 1925. He married the love of his life, Maria on January 29, 1948. Paolo and Maria immigrated to Switzerland shortly after their marriage and then to Calgary in 1955. He worked for Canadian Pacific railway briefly before opening one of the first Italian grocers in the Southeast. Paolo met, sponsored and helped many new Italian immigrants settle in Calgary. Paolo also worked for Great West Italian Importers for many years where he continued to be involved in working with, and providing service to, the Italian community. Paolo was a devoted follower of Santa Cristina di Bolsena for which he collected funds and organized annual banquets with his friends to celebrate in her honour. During the summers, Paolo enjoyed working in his greenhouse and garden, where he proudly produced one pound tomatoes and two foot long cucumbers. During the winter months, Paolo retreated to his basement kitchen where he proudly prepared large amounts of taralli, sponge cakes, pizza and fresh pasta. He enjoyed the company and smiles of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Paolo will be sadly missed by his children Josephine (Tony) Sabelli, Peter (Judie) Franco, Tony (Marina) Franco and John (Cathy) Franco; his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Rosa Tiberio and Annunziata Morrone and brother-in-law Domenico Parente (all of Calgary); sister-in-law Carmela Morrone of Medicine Hat; sister-in-law Concetta Ferrente of Sepino, Italy; as well as many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. Paolo was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Maria; son Joseph and daughter Cristina; parents Pietro and Maria-Giuseppa; sister Rosina Napolitano; sisters-in-law Cristina Chiarizio, Giuseppina Arcari, and Angiolina Parente; brothers-in-law Giovanni Morrone, Pasquale Morrone, Giuseppe Tiberio, Cristino Arcari, Liberio Chiarizio, and Mariangello Ferrente and nephew Bob Johnson. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 – 34th Street S.W.) on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Services to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Paolo Franco, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200.