Obituary of Ernesto Giovanni Benacchio

February 23, 1935 – San Zenone Degli Ezzelini, Treviso, Italy

February 26, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Ernesto Benacchio, beloved husband of Natalina, passed away peacefully with his wife, children, and family by his side at the age of 87 years.

Ernesto was born and raised in San Zenone Degli Ezzelini, Treviso, Italy. At the urging of his father, at the young age of nineteen years, Ernesto left his only home and family behind and immigrated to Canada in 1954 for new opportunities and to pave the way for his siblings to follow. Ernesto returned to Italy in the Spring of 1958 and met his future wife, and soul mate, Natalina Giollo. After a short courtship, they married on May 17, 1958 and immigrated to Calgary.

 Ernesto was a strong, hard worker and well-respected site foreman for almost forty years at Alberta Marble and Tile. His many marble, terrazzo, and tile works can be seen throughout Calgary malls and major stores, as well as downtown business core buildings. Some of his larger projects include the Royal Tyrrell Museum, University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, University of Lethbridge swimming pool, SAIT, and Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. If you are walking in a mall or large store in Calgary and there is terrazzo or tile on the floor, there is a strong likelihood that Ernesto had a hand in it.

Ernesto had a zest for life and was an avid gardener, in particular growing tomatoes from seed. He enjoyed wine and sausage making with his family, and had a passion for all birds, both wild and domestic. His family was his world, and he dedicated his life to them.  He made many lifelong friends that will remember him for his gentle, caring soul and enduring smiles.

Ernesto leaves behind his best friend and true love Natalina, whom he shared almost 64 years of his life with. Along with his loving wife, Ernesto is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Franco and Nella Benacchio; his daughter and son-in-law, Lidia and David McFarland; and the joys of his heart, his grandchildren, Andrea and Ryan McFarland, and Daniella Benacchio. Ernesto is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Rosina, Ausilia, and Ida (brother-in-law Fiorevante), brother Eugenio (sister-in-law Mirella), sister-in-law Amanzia Benacchio, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family in Canada, Australia, and Italy.

He was predeceased by his mother Ida, father Antonio, stepmother Maria, and brothers, Giovanni, Carlo, Egidio, and Luigi.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church (800 85 St. SW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB). Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Ernesto Benacchio’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. Condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Arthritis Society, Alberta Regional Office #1700, 393 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1E6 Telephone: 1-800-321-1433.  info@ab.arthritis.ca.

In living memory of Ernesto Benacchio, 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.

Ernesto's memorial card can be viewed by clicking here

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