Obituary of Settimio Moretta

February 1, 1936 – Casalbordino, Chieti, Italy

April 16, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Our cherished dad, Settimio (Sam) Moretta, passed away suddenly at the age of 87 years at his home in Calgary on Sunday, April 16, 2023. His story began February 1, 1936, in Casalbordino, Chieti, Italy. My dad met my mom, Consiglia Lucia (Connie) in Vasto, Chieti, Italy and they were married on January 9, 1960. They immigrated to Canada in 1961 to join my mom’s relatives in Calgary, Alberta. My dad visited Italy often to spend time with his family he left behind. His dream was always to someday move back to Italy, but that never happened.

My dad was predeceased by his parents, Tommaso Moretta and Laura Tieri; and all of his six brothers and sisters; Francesco, Antonio, Luigi, Ida, Angelo and Italia. He was child number seven and the last survivor of his siblings. My dad treasured his long storytelling telephone chats with friends and family especially his nieces and nephews in Italy; Tommaso, Giuseppe, Laura, Rina, Carlo, Ida, Angiolino, Nicola, and RosaLucia.   

My mom and dad celebrated 44 years of marriage before my mom passed away on August 22, 2005. They shared many great memories together including the birth of their son, Michele (Mike) Moretta and their daughter, Susanna Moretta. In 2003, my parents were honoured to meet their daughter-in-law, Carla, and soon after, they were overjoyed when they heard about a grandchild to be born in October 2005. Everyone could see the sparkle in my dad’s eyes every time he saw his grandson, Nathan Moretta.

My dad was a hard-working, dedicated man who always made his family his first priority. Most of his life he worked as a cement finisher, and he was very proud of his expertise. We will remember him as a person with a great passion for talking to people and socializing. He enjoyed being the center of attention by wearing stylish clothes, telling stories, and making people laugh. He loved singing, dancing, and listening to his favorite music, everything by Claudio Villa. My dad always took the time to stop and appreciate beauty such as a simple rose. My dad loved everything Italian, from watching Italian movies, cars, to pasta, espresso with Sambuca, wine, the tomatoes he grew, and playing cards at Sanremo Social Club with his friends. We are thankful that he was able to live his life as he wanted, independently at his home while we watched over him and witnessed the joy it brought him.

My dad always told us, “Everything comes to an end, don’t cry, this is part of life”. Dad, you will be deeply missed by all who knew you. You will be forever in our hearts until we meet again.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Sam’s memory directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

In living memory of Sam Moretta, 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.