Obituary of Eugenio VIOLA

February 22, 1931 – Torano Castello, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy
April 6, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Eugenio Viola beloved husband of Rita Viola (nee Greco), of Calgary, AB, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the age of 90 years.

Eugenio was born in Torano Castello in the province of Cosenza, Calabria, Italy. Eugenio’s life story is not only one of hardship and sacrifice, but also of overcoming many challenges. He grew up in a family of thirteen brothers and sisters and lived through WWII and post-World War.

At the age of 22, he left Italy and immigrated to Canada and landed in Halifax on January 9, 1954. He made his way to Dawson Creek, BC, to join his brother Vittorio and sister-in-law Rosa with their two children. In Dawson Creek, he worked on the railway laying railway ties to earn a living. He then visited Edmonton and Calgary, AB. When he arrived in Calgary, he fell in love with the rolling hills, mountain views and the beautiful city. He decided to move from Dawson Creek, BC, and settle in Calgary, AB. 

In January 1959, Eugenio went back to Italy to visit his parents. While there, he met the love of his life Rita Greco. They were married on March 21, 1959. He left Italy alone to return to Canada so he could prepare for the arrival of his wife. Rita joined him six months later in Calgary, where they began their life together. Both Eugenio and Rita went on to have three beautiful children: Ilvia, Silvana and Marcello.

In Calgary, he worked as a forklift operator and laborer in construction for numerous years until he retired. 

Eugenio accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of his family, home, winemaking, his tomato and vegetable gardening, as well as his ability to graft his apple tree with various other apple varieties.

Eugenio enjoyed growing Roma tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables in his large garden and greenhouse. He liked small game hunting, especially pheasants, and making Zinfandel wine. Eugenio also enjoyed time with his family and friends, going on vacation, playing bocce at the Italian Club, listening to Italian music and watching western movies. 

Eugenio’s most memorable vacation was when he went to Italy on a trip with his daughter Ilvia, in 1999, where he visited with relatives, in Cosenza and his hometown of Torano Castello. He also visited Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Sicily. 

Besides his loving wife of sixty-two years, Rita, Eugenio is survived by his son Marcello Viola of Calgary, his daughters, Ilvia and Silvana Viola also of Calgary; his brother Vittorio of Kelowna, BC, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Eugenio was predeceased by his parents, Annita Augieri Viola and Francesco Viola; four brothers, Vincenzo, Giuseppe, Pasquale and Pietro; seven sisters, Modesta, Maria, Avalia, Elvira, Italia, Ida and Lidia.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Eugenio’s honour may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Eugenio’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Eugenio Viola, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.