Obituary of Giuseppe (Joseph) PORTINCASA

June 4, 1970 - Calgary, Alberta
November 9, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Joseph Portincasa of Calgary, AB passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020 at the age of 50 years.

On Thursday, June 4, 1970, Joseph arrived prematurely, weighing 2 pounds and 2 ounces. For 6 months he lived in an incubator before going home. His life began as a little fighter.

By the age of one he began his journey of being monitored at the Children’s Hospital to figure out what’s happening to his feet due to the inability of putting on shoes. Joseph was diagnosed with a mild case of cerebral palsy. Surgeries were performed to strengthen his lower legs to be independent of walking. The doctor strongly emphasized to never stop walking. Joseph was not restricted by his immobility; it gave him more determination and strength throughout his life. Joseph graduated from St. Mary’s High School, and continued his education at Mount Royal College where he received a diploma in Child and Youth Care Social Worker.

As a young boy Joseph was so excited on being an altar server for mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. He continued to be very active with programs and events through his life, getting to know many people like priests, bishops and other close followers. He was also active in planning certain things for his own funeral. Joseph really enjoyed his time with Franciscan and Friends Missionary and had a wonderful trip to the Dominican Republic.

Since we grew up in Bridgeland Community, Joseph was a very active member of the neighborhood; participating in the history, fund raising for events, volunteering whenever possible, and  being a strong support for the disabled and seniors. He was a mentor, father figure and friend to his nephews. His home was a safe place to hangout. They played cards, board games, listened to music, watched the hockey games and went to other outings.

The most memorable vacations were the three trips to Italy, when he was 4, 7 and 17. He greatly enjoyed special times with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, when we all gathered together. Grandfather Francesco was remembered by always taking us out to buy ice cream. Going to Padua and visiting St. Anthony was a very special event for Joseph. I remember all the conversations we had about our trips, how joyful and happy his time spent was. Great memory by details he had.

He had a nature you could not help loving
And a heart that was purer than gold
To those who knew him and loved
His memory will never grow old
Joseph you were loved so dearly
We will always miss you.

Joseph is survived by his mother Apollonia Portincasa, two sisters, Maria Taylor and Lina Portincasa;  brother Franco (Stacey), four nephews, Joey, Mike, Zain and Jonathan; his aunt and cousins residing in Calgary, AB, as well as aunts, uncles  and cousins in Italy, Belgium, Toronto & Vancouver. He was predeceased by his father Giuseppe Portincasa, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins of Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, Belgium & Italy.

Thank you to all whom have helped with the care of Joseph: Foothills Medical Centre ICU-A, Alberta Health Services, Resicare, CBI Home Services, the Cerebral Palsy Organization and the family doctor.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.  Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Joseph’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Joseph Portincasa, 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.