Obituary of Rocco Chiacchia

March 10, 1930 – San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore, Italy

April 19, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, nonno, and husband, Rocco Chiacchia. Rocco, beloved husband of Giuseppina Chiacchia (nee Faba), passed away surrounded by family in Calgary, Canada, on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the age of 93.  He can now rest in peace.

Rocco was born on March 10, 1930, in San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore, Italy.  He married Giuseppina in San Valentino on May 21, 1953. He then immigrated to Calgary later that year, arriving on Christmas Eve.  In May 1955, he was joined by Giuseppina and their first son Franco. Their decision to move to Canada was with the hope of building a better life for their family, in which they succeeded. He was employed with the Canadian Pacific Railway for thirty-one years and retired in 1986.  Rocco loved his vegetable garden from which he found great joy in providing a bountiful harvest every year, and making wine and salumi in the fall for him and his family to enjoy daily and above all, on special occasions. His greatest love was his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to which he would always wish good luck to when leaving his house. We wish you “good luck, Rocky.”

Besides his loving wife of 70 years, Rocco will be missed by his sons Franco (Maria) and Marcello (Michelina); grandchildren Leila (Kirk), Fabrizio (Alex), Matthew, Bianca, and Diego; and great-grandchildren Benjamin, Oliver, Henry, Sophie, Enzo, and Adelina. He is survived by his sisters Adina (Alfonso) and Concetta (Valentino); sisters-in-law Lucia and Tina; and brother-in-law Emidio (Maria). Rocco was predeceased by his parents Santa and Alfonso; his brothers Antonio (and wife Palmina), Nicola (and wife Maria), Corrado, and Romano, and his sister Maria (and husband Corrado).

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 – 34th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Queens Park Cemetery Mausoleum. A reception will be held for extended family following the interment at McInnis & Holloway, Chapel of the Bells.

The family gratefully declines floral tributes. If friends and family so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary at www.alzheimercalgary.com.

In living memory of Rocco Chiacchia, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.