Obituary of Mario Francesco De Capite

September 17, 1938 – June 26, 2023

It is with a saddened heart that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend at the age of 84 years. Mario is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Gianna; his son Aldo, his wife Mimi Saccomanno De Capite and grandchildren, Celine and Mario; son Larry, and his wife Michelle White De Capite; youngest son, Angelo De Capite; sister Olga Ramicone and sister-in-law Ninetta De Capite; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends, both in Calgary and Italy. Mario will be forever remembered as a humble, kind, and generous man by all who crossed his path.

He was predeceased by his mother Immacolta, father Agostino De Capite, brothers, Achille and Augusto; sister Elena D’Altorio, sister-in-law, Eleanora, and brother-in-law Tullio.

Mario was born on September 17, 1938, in Rivisondoli, Italy to parents Agostino De Capite and Immacolata Del Re. He was the youngest son of six children. Mario made the long journey to Canada in his early twenties to join his brothers Augusto and Achille in Calgary, AB. Shortly after his arrival, he married Gianna on October 24, 1964. They had three sons: Aldo, Larry, and Angelo.

Mario was dedicated and hard-working, everything he did was for the love of his family. He worked as a welder at Lee Grand Steel, Natco, and Barber Industry. Having been a talented and knowledgeable welder, he was hired to work at SAIT in 1974 as an instructor. From there, Mario ventured on a different path in 1977 to start his own company GALA Excavating up until he joined the Calgary Catholic School District as a custodian. He remained in this position up until his retirement in 2004.

Mario was an outdoorsman who spent many hours skiing, hiking, hunting, and fishing with his family and friends. On Sundays, he would often be seen having a picnic at Bowness Park and playing bocce. During the summers, Mario enjoyed vacationing in Kelowna, Penticton, and Gull Lake. In his later years, Mario was fortunate to travel to Mexico and Hawaii with his wife. If he wasn’t outside, he would be making wine or tinkering with all sorts of gadgets in his garage. Anyone who had a question on how to repair a broken appliance, malfunctioning furnace or do repairs on a car, called him. He had all the tools and knew how to fix it. Self-taught in all trades -truly impressive! Although he was passionate and enjoyed various activities and hobbies, above all else, he loved his family the most and would put them before anything.

He once shared a poem with his family to pass along a special message. Here’s an excerpt from the poem.

“Love is a rainbow that we share

it’s radiance is giving

and dearest of God’s precious gift

It’s what makes life worth living.

The last few weeks of his life, Mario was blessed to be in the care of the Doctors and nurses at the Peter Lougheed Hospital and Dulcina Hospice. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff for the support, immense care and compassion given to him during this time.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church (640 – 19th Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre McInnis & Holloway, Chapel of the Bells, (2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6). Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 Telephone: (403) 255-6108, www.kidney.ca.

In living memory of Mario De Capite, 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.