Obituary of Domenico Zappavigna

October 4, 1946 – Ardore, Reggio Calabria, Italy

February 13, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Domenico Zappavigna passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at the age of 75 years.

Domenico was born in Ardore, Reggio Calabria, Italy on October 4, 1946, to parents Giuseppe and Maria Rosa Zappavigna. He grew up with his eight siblings, Eugenia (Antonio), Salvatore (Anna), Maria (Domenico), Giovanni (Gwyneth), Antonio (Sharon), Anna Maria (Colin), Michele (Josée), and Franko.

The family immigrated to Canada in June of 1954, and Domenico grew up in Montreal. He later moved to Edmonton, then Calgary, where he met and married his wife, Maria, in 1972 and started his family. Domenico is survived by his wife, Maria, son, Mauro, daughter, Tania, and his son-in-law, Steven.

Domenico enjoyed spending time with his family, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. When anyone asked Domenico how he was doing, he would say, “Life is good!”.

He had a diverse career and worked with his father at a young age in construction, and then as an auto mechanic. For a time in Montreal, he and his brother Giovanni owned and operated an auto repair shop. Afterward, he became a heavy-duty mechanic and later transitioned into sales. Throughout this time, numerous lifelong friendships were formed which he valued greatly.

Once he retired, he continued working on projects and was always willing to take on any challenge and pass on his knowledge. He would leave you impressed with his ingenuity and creative approach to solving problems and was skilled in many areas from carpentry to repairing and restoring old cars.

Domenico was an amazing man in many ways, but he was most amazing in his integrity and generous giving spirit. He had the ability to make you feel welcomed and help no matter what the task, whether it was something that seemed simple to impossible. Even if there was nothing to be done, he would just be there in good company. His friends and family have gained so much from having had the opportunity to share their lives with Domenico. He will truly be missed!

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

We would like to express our gratitude to all the medical staff and caregivers who did a wonderful job of caring for Domenico and the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222. www.albertacancer.ca/memorial, or the charity of your choice.

In living memory of Domenico Zappavigna, 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.