Obituary of Rocco IMBROGNO

September 13, 1926 - Pietrafitta, Cosenza, Italy

January 1, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we say good-bye to our beloved father, Rocco Imbrogno who passed on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at the age of 93 years.

Rocco immigrated to Canada in 1954 to be with his family in the town of Blairmore, Alberta. On October 26, 1957 he married the love of his life, Velina Scaglione, his wife of 54 years. Rocco worked as a mechanic in the Crowsnest Pass for a GM dealership before moving to Calgary where he completed a 35-year career with the City of Calgary. He was honored with a thirty-five Year Safety Driving Award by Premier Ralph Klein upon his retirement. He enjoyed watching sports and would often attend Stampeder football games with his cousin Frank Biafore. Rocco loved his garden and would often brag about how amazing his beans were. He was known for his handyman skills- he could fix almost anything. His most memorable vacation was, back in 1992 to his home country with Velina; thirty-eight years after he immigrated to Canada.

During the final year of his life, he courageously battled dementia and Parkinson's disease which, completely immobilized him. Despite his condition, he continued living by the principles he taught his children –always keep fighting and do not let anything knock you down.

Rocco will be most remembered for the love of his family & for saying;

"There's nothing you can't achieve if you put your mind to it"

Rocco is survived by his son, Giulio Anthony Imbrogno; daughter Sara Connie Rego, son-in-law Louis Rego; four grandchildren, Jaime, Nicholas, Celina & Julia.

Rocco was predeceased by his wife Velina; parents Salvatore & Rosaria- brothers Francesco & Antonio Imbrogno.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Monday, January 6, 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 Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum.  Reception to follow at the Church. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Rocco’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. The family would like to thank the staff at Whitehorn Village & Colonel Belcher Health Care West.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2V6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, www.parkinsonalberta.ca.

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