Obituary of Giovanni "John" Battista CIPRIANI

August 13, 1948 - Pontinia, Latina, Italia

November 14, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of chef Giovanni Battista Cipriani on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the age of 71.

Giovanni was born in Pontinia, Latina, Italia and then immigrated to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1967 at the age of 19, for a greater opportunity. It was in Ottawa he met his beloved wife of fifty years Luisa and worked in carpentry. In 1978, Giovanni continued his journey west, to Calgary with his brother and brother-in-law for the construction boom. After his construction career came to a close, Giovanni then followed his dreams for his love of cooking and started his first businesses; Café D’Italia and Milano Social Club, which grew into his legacy; La Trattoria D’Italia Pizzeria and Restaurant.

Giovanni became a legend for his cooking, especially his calamari. The restaurant became a home for many and Giovanni made friends that would last him a lifetime. He was a strong man who worked hard and loved everyone.

Giovanni’s passion for food, music, and most importantly his love for his family will forever live on through his wife Luisa, and daughters, Sonia, Tania, and Nita.

Besides his loving wife Luisa Cipriani, Giovanni is survived by his daughters, Sonia Cipriani, Tania (Marc) Fariaz, and Nita (Matt) Tomie; grandchildren, Joshua, Isabella, Adam and Zachary Rymkiewicz, Maya and Athena Fariaz, and Chloe and Mateo Tomie. He is also survived by his brothers, Virgilio (Gina) Cipriani of Italy, and Enzo (Lauretana) Cipriani of Ottawa; sisters, Rita Di Felice of Italy, and Lina (Pietro) Giannetti of Calgary, brother-in-law Joe (Monique) Iannarelli, and sisters-in-law, Rose Iannarelli, and Annita (Mario) Rossi; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Giovanni was predeceased by his mother Esterina Vona, father Vincenzo Cipriani, brothers, Gino and Alfonso Costantini; sisters, Maria, Viana and Finalba Cipriani; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alfiero and Natalina Iannarelli; and brother-in-law Frank Iannarelli.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North Calgary, AB) on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish (1714 – 14th Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 22, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.  Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum.  Reception to follow at the Parish Hall. Memorial tributes may be made to Calgary Health Trust at, www.calgaryhealthtrust.ca. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

A special thank you to all the staff at Foothills Medical Centre and the Peter Lougheed Centre for all their care and compassion.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Giovanni Cipriani. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.