Obituary of Michele Antonio Colabella

February 16, 1930 – Bonefro, Campobasso Italy
December 30, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Michele Antonio Colabella, beloved husband, father, Nonno, brother, uncle and dear friend passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022 at the age of 92 years.

Michele Antonio was born in Bonefro, Campobasso, Italy on February 16, 1930. He immigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1951 where he established himself prior to sending for his fiancée, Santa.  Upon her arrival, they married in Montreal in 1955 where they started their family. They made the move to Calgary in 1959, continuing to grow their family, residing in their Westgate home for the rest of their years together.

Mike lived a long, happy life. He was loved, adored, and deeply respected by his family and friends. If you met him, you instantly became a part of his circle. He was always genuinely happy to see you. Mike had a very strong work ethic and never took short cuts.  He took pride in all of his work and home projects. During his work life as a foreman, he had a hand in constructing many of the buildings in downtown Calgary and later on he was loved by staff, students and their families as a caretaker at St. Andrew’s school. He was happy to retire the same year as his first grandchild was born and enjoyed 28 years of retirement. He was an active, fun Nonno, but always disappeared when it came to diaper duty. Beyond his devotion to family and friends, Mike was passionate about his garden and his winemaking. On his watch, his yard was bountiful and picture perfect.  His winemaking became an annual family event, using his homemade equipment and carefully selected variety of grapes to make his special ‘grape juice’. In his most recent years, even with his memory loss, he maintained his happy demeanor to the end. He showed us how to love life each and everyday.

Michele Antonio is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Santa; four children, Nick Colabella (Karen) of Vancouver Island, BC, Joe Colabella (Carllyn) of Calgary, AB, Tony Colabella (Manijeh) of Surrey, BC, and Carmela Hill (Nick) of Calgary, AB; and seven grandchildren, Enzo, Marcello, Thomas, James, Michael, Alyvia, and Luke; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Michele Antonio was predeceased by his parents Nicola Colabella and Carmela Santoianni, his sister Maria Colabella and brother Vincenzo Colabella. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish (1714 – 14th Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at Mary Mother of the Redeemer upper hall. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Michele Antonio Colabella, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.