Obituary of Saverio Durante

“Maestro del lavoro” It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Saverio Durante, beloved husband of Rosa Durante of fifty-three years, on Monday, February 23, 2009 at the age of 80 years. “Papa” was born on February 10, 1929 in San Giovanni in Fiore, Cosenza, Italy. He was not only the first son but also the second father to all of his twelve siblings. Saverio worked very hard along side his father and mother in order to help his family thrive. He married the love of his life in September 1955 and embarked on the next chapter of his outstanding life. Soon after, Saverio immigrated to Canada to ensure a better life for his family. Within a year, Rosa was able to join Saverio in Canada to begin their beautiful family together. Whether it was at home, family parties, on the beaches of Hawaii or on the Canals of the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, he blessed all in his presence with magnificent song, love and happiness. Besides his loving wife Rosa, Saverio is survived by his children, John (Brenda), Joe (Kathy), Sam (Melissa) and Frank (Ida); and his greatest treasures, his eleven grandchildren, Samuel Brett, Justin, Jacob, Kayla, Michael, Benjamin, Isabella, Sofia, Gabriella, Giulianna and Olivia. In addition he is survived by brothers; Tomaso (Vittoria), Pasquale, Giuseppe (Teresa); sisters, Caterina Alessio, Maria (Frank) Aiello, Serafina (Paolo) Gentile, Filomena, Teresa, Antonieta, and Virginia (Gino); brothers and sisters-in-law; Domenic and Rosina Sirianni, Salvatore Sirianni, Teresa Talerico and Ursulina Durante; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Giovanni; mother Rosa; first sister Antonieta; brother Salvatore; father and mother-in-law Giuseppe and Maria Sirianni; brother-in-law Domenic Alessio; brother-in-law Giuseppe Talerico; sister-in-law Teresa Sirianni and brother-in-law Salvatore Olivitto. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 1566 Northmount Drive N.W. on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Agapé Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 Telephone: (403) 282-6588. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Place for his exceptional care and friendship and to all the staff and volunteers of the Agape Hospice for making Papa’s last few weeks blessed and peaceful. In living memory of Saverio Durante, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.