Obituary of Gerardo (Gerry) APUZZA

August 30, 1935 – Forino, Avellino, Italy 

May 25, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Gerardo Apuzza, beloved husband of the late Geraldine Apuzza (nee Marra) of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at the age of 85 years.

Gerry was born in Forino, Avellino, Italy, on August 30, 1935. He immigrated to Cranbrook, BC, in 1951 and worked for CP Rail, later moving to Calgary with his brothers and working for The City of Calgary. Gerry then started his career working for The Borger Brothers Ltd in 1953, first as a pipelayer and working his way up to General Superintendent. Gerry had a long career bringing sixty-plus years of valued leadership and mentorship combined with his exceptional memory to The Borger Group. He was respected by all his employees and the Construction Industry.
 
Gerry married Geraldine on December 26, 1959, and built a beautiful life together. Gerry loved to travel to Hawaii with his beloved wife, Geraldine, for thirty-plus years. Gerry loved his family fiercely, especially his two grandchildren, Adam and Kelsey. Family dinners were a weekly event where he could show off his hobbies of winemaking and cooking. Lasagna, ribs, potatoes, and homemade meatballs were some of his many specialties. Gerry’s talents extended to his green thumb, which he proudly displayed through his bucket garden in his front yard, which all his neighbours admired. Gerry also loved his construction field trips every Saturday with Bob Borger. 

Our Dad will be remembered most for his kindness, loyalty, generosity, and big heart.

Over the last year and a half, Gerry resided at the Sage Hill Retirement Residence.  He enjoyed his time there and made many new friends and participated in new activities.

Gerardo is survived by his daughter Tina (Curtis) Neale and grandchildren, Adam and Kelsey Neale; and his sons, Carlo (Luna) Apuzza and Terry Apuzza. Gerardo is also survived by his brothers, Gennaro (Rosaria) Apuzza and Roberto (Lucia) Apuzza; his sisters-in-law, Fortunata Apuzzo, Angela Apuzzo, and Emmanuela Apuzza; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada and Italy. 

Gerry was predeceased by his loving wife Geraldine, his parents, Francesco and Raffaela Apuzza; his sisters, Bridgida and Mimmo Maglio; and brothers, Armando Apuzza, Pasquale Apuzza, Luigi Apuzza, and Osvaldo Apuzza.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North Calgary, AB) on Thursday, June 3, 2021, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

A Private Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to join Mr. Apuzza’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. A Celebration of Life for Gerry is being planned for later in the summer, with more details to be announced in the future. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222.

We want to thank Dr. Keller, Dr. Arnold, and the Nursing Staff of Unit 57 at the Rockyview General Hospital for their kindness and compassion during Gerry’s final moments.

In living memory of Gerardo Apuzza, 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.

Thank you for joining us for the live-streaming of this event.

Our technical team does everything possible to ensure the best quality of the live-stream service. Unfortunately there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.

We apologize if this is the case with today’s live-stream but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.
 

Gerardo's memorial card can be viewed by clicking this link