Obituary of Achille Iafolla

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Achille Iafolla (the “Major”), beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, on Sunday, October 10, 2004 at the Foothills Medical Centre. Achille was born in Villalago, Italy on September 3, 1912 the youngest of thirteen children. Achille was a World War II Veteran of ten years, having spent seven of them as a Prisoner of War under the British in Africa. Upon his return to Italy, he decided to join two sisters and one brother in Canada. In 1949, he made his move to Calgary and his family followed in 1950. Achille worked as a stonemason, bricklayer and tile setter for a variety of companies in Calgary, while also commuting to New York during the slow construction months in Calgary. He was proud to have worked on structures such as the Rockerfeller Centre, Empire State Building in New York City and St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary. Upon his retirement, Achille rebuilt his home in Italy and along with his wife Emma, traveled back to Villalago on a yearly basis for nearly thirty years. He is survived by his children, Beatrice (Umberto Sciore), Catherine (Robert Hornes) and Alfonso (Sylvie Lafreniere) his grandchildren, Vinicio (Loris), Paul, Simone, Claudio, Rod, Eugenio and Emma; as well as his two great-grandchildren, Marco and Steven. He will also be missed by Dorianne Vincent and Milt and Catherine Harradence. Achille was predeceased by his wife of sixty-four years Emma nee Buccini, his sisters, Maria Buccini, Cesira Di Paolo, Filomena Gentile, Iole Iafolla, his brothers, Ascanio Iafolla, Diomede Iafolla and his son-in-law Rod Harradence. Achille’s experiences, stories, opinions, wit, charm and sense of humour will be greatly missed by all. “Major, we all love you.” Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Italian and English Catholic Church (1714 – 14th Avenue N.E.) on Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 Telephone: (403) 205-3966. “Papa, Nonno, Ci Mancherai” In living memory of Achille Iafolla, 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.