Obituary of Gigino Cesario

September 16, 1937 - Torano, Castello, Italy

June 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Gigino Cesario, beloved husband of Carmelina Cesario (nee Argento), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the age of 85 years.

Gigino was born in Torano Castello, Italy, within the province of Cosenza in southern Italy on September 16, 1937.

On May 4, 1958, Gigino and Carmelina were wed in Torano Castello, Italy, eventually immigrating to Cordoba, Argentina, in 1960, where much of Carmelina’s family had moved prior. From there, they immigrated to Canada in August of 1963, settling in Calgary, AB, where his family resides to this day.

The majority of Gigino’ s career was spent as a baker, first in Torano Castello, Italy, then at City Bakery in Calgary, AB, and perhaps best known as owner of Four Star Bakery for many years.

Gigino was passionate about the Calgary Flames, tending to his garden, playing cards with his friends, and watching WWE wrestling with Carmelina by his side. He was known for his love of family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, being a tireless worker, and was a living breathing example of letting his actions speak for him. He was a man that could lead with very few words and a heart full of kindness.

As the beloved patriarch of a very large family, Gigino was respected, and loved by many, and will be greatly missed.

Besides his loving wife, Gigino is survived by his six children, Bruno (Lorna), Ana (Nino), Pina (Bruce), Doris (Rory), Dan (Stacey), and Kathy (Brian), all from Calgary, AB; fourteen grandchildren, Gino (Josie), Jen, Christie (Paul), Domenic (Savannah), Robert (Carley), Taylor (Jason), Jamie, Brady, Benjamin, Bronte, Courtney, Sienna, Sophie, and Sonya, all residing in Calgary, AB; eight great-grandchildren, Enzo, Alonso, Milan, Kally, Nadia, Antonino, Marcello, and Kane.

Gigino is also survived by his two brothers, Frank Cesario (Anna), and Carmen Cesario, his sister-in-law Lucia Cesario; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Gigino was predeceased by his parents Maria and Michele Cesario, as well as his siblings, Giuseppe Cesario, Giuseppina Rizzuto, Antonio Cesario, and Franceschina Logullo.

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 Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.   

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Catholic Parish (1100 Berkshire Boulevard N.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Please note that there will not be a post-funeral reception, as the family will be traveling to a private graveside service immediately after the church service. Thank you kindly for understanding.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Gigino Cesario, 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.