Obituary of Angelo Amato

July 10, 1930 - Castiglione Scalo, Rende, Cosenza, Italy

May 25, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, nonno, uncle, and friend, Angelo Amato, on May 25, 2023.

Angelo was born in Castiglione Scalo, Rende in Italy where he grew up with his three brothers and sister, working on his family’s farm. He left Italy in 1958 to work in France until he immigrated to Canada in 1960 to join Ida, the love of his life. They were married on July 21, 1960, and they built a beautiful life and home together in Calgary, AB.

Angelo worked very hard all his life and was determined to build the best life for his family. He worked as a labourer and later as a Foreman for Cana Construction for close to 20 years on structures still standing today including the Education building at the University of Calgary, Bow Valley Square, Performing Arts Centre, Saddledome, and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre. He retired from Cana Construction in the mid-’80s but quickly realized that he wasn’t quite ready to retire yet. With the help of his son-in-law Mickey, they started Bodio Enterprises Limited, specializing in residential and commercial concrete construction where he worked for almost 10 more years. And after all that, he was there to help raise his grandchildren, always putting his own needs second.

Angelo was not able to attend school beyond Grade 5 because he needed to support his family farm. In spite of this, Angelo was a lifelong learner, a man with hope and vision who strongly believed in equality and higher education, and vehemently encouraged his daughter and grandchildren to take advantage of the opportunities he never had. To that end, we owe him a great debt of gratitude.

Angelo loved and was proud of his home, and all of his family. He befriended, supported, gave advice, and helped all who crossed his path. He was faithful, unselfish, compassionate, and generous. Because of this, some call him a shining light, others their ‘favourite’ uncle. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, raising his wonderful grandchildren, tending his beautiful garden (which was the envy of the neighbourhood) and making the best red wine and grappa around! His memory will be forever treasured by those whose lives he touched, and his legacy will inspire us all to live with the same courage, determination, and passion for life that he embodied. We will never forget him, or the love and care he gave to each of us.

Angelo is survived by his loving daughter Anna Lucia Bodio, his son-in-law Mickey Bodio, his precious grandchildren, Paige Bodio and Travis (Twyla) Bodio; his brother Raffaele (Giovanna) Amato in Toronto, and his sister Annina in Italy. He is also survived by countless cousins, nieces and nephews, and their families in Canada, Italy, and Argentina. Angelo was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Ida (nee Bilotta), his parents, Rocco and Marta Lucia Amato; and his brothers, Gerardo and Salvatore Amato.

The family would like to thank the family and friends from Calgary, Toronto, and Italy for checking in on him and offering their loving support during these past difficult months.

Forever loved, forever missed, forever in our hearts.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish (1714 – 14th Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Reception to follow at Roma Catering & Deli (2626 23 Street N.E., Calgary, AB). For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be available beginning at 10:30 a.m. To express condolences, share memories, and view the livestream, please share and view here.

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

In living memory of Angelo Amato, 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.

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