Obituary of Antonio (Tony) CALAMO

July 12, 1925 - June 18, 2020
North Vancouver, British Columbia

Antonio Calamo of North Vancouver, BC, affectionately known as Tony, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at the age of 94 years.

Antonio was born in Barisciano, Italy, the first born son of Domenico and Nicolina Calamo.  His life can only be described as the successful completion of an amazing hero’s journey. Born into a loving family, Tony lost his mother at the tender age of 8 and three of his younger brothers, Silvio, Nebridio and Dario, at the ages of 88, 4 and 1.5 years. Sadly, Tony was forced to quit elementary school to support his family as a child. Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, Tony moved from Italy to Canada as a young adult in 1954 with little money and the inability to speak English. In Canada, Tony began to transform his life through hard work, persistence, his passion for gardening, planting apple trees, growing beautiful roses, and buying real estate. Tony married Fenisia Brandelli in Calgary, and they were married for over fifty years. Tony believed in a strong family so he happily shared his home with Fenisia’s mother, Genoveffa Brandelli, and loved to spend time visiting with family.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Fenisia Calamo. Antonio is survived by his only son Enzo Calamo; daughter-in-law Nancy; grandchildren, Luca and Genevieve; sister, Mafalda Antonacci; and numerous extended family.

Tony will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle by his family. With his zest for life, Tony will be remembered as a loyal and trusted friend to many.     

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North Calgary, AB) on Thursday, July 2, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish (1714 – 14th Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 10:15 a.m. Please RSVP your attendance to ecalamo@me.com, to help the family anticipate attendance due to social distancing limitations.           

 Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s cemetery. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Antonio’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calamo Foundation, https://m.charitableimpact.com/Hjdo

In living memory of Antonio Calamo, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.