Obituary of Antonio Ranieri

September 13, 1938 – Staletti, Catanzaro, Italy

August 30, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Antonio Ranieri, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and involved member of the Italian church and community, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at the age of 84 years.

Antonio was born in the picturesque southern Italian town of Staletti, Catanzaro, on September 13, 1938. He was the sixth of eleven children. After only three years in school, he left to work full-time alongside his family tending to their farm and olive groves. He worked with farm animals and was particularly fond of his horse “Lusso”.  Antonio was proud to serve in the Italian Military. After the military, he joined his brother and two sisters in Switzerland and sent money back to his parents in Staletti. He immigrated to Canada on a wintery day in 1965. He married the love of his life, Assunta Corasiniti, on February 20, 1965, in Calgary. They had three children: two sons and a daughter.

Antonio came to Canada with a strong work ethic and was deeply motivated to succeed. He started working as a laborer digging ditches for pipelines in Crossfield and gained experience in the construction trades. Antonio’s strong work ethic and experience in construction did not go unnoticed: Arrigo Balbi encouraged him to start his own company, and with support from Assunta, Ranieri Construction Ltd was born. Antonio and Assunta then purchased an acreage just outside of Calgary that served as home base for both family and the business.

Antonio and Assunta tended a greenhouse on the acreage where they grew grapes, figs, and of course, tomatoes. He was proud of the yearly wine he made (using a grape press) and the fresh sausages and salami curing in their cellar. For many years, he and Assunta smoked sausages in their Quonset for themselves and their friends. In addition to the greenhouse and garden, Antonio and Assunta organically grew their own chickens, rabbits, turkey, goats, and cows - before it was a “thing”.

Antonio was a founding member of the Calgary Calabrese Cultural and Heritage Society. He enjoyed the company of friends, playing cards, and sharing stories at the San Remo Social Club, where he was known as “Silver-Haired Tony” to distinguish himself from the other Antonio Ranieri. In their retirement, Antonio and Assunta enjoyed yearly trips to Hawaii with their friends and visited Italy often.

Antonio spent the last year of his life in the Rocky View Hospital (2 months) and ten months at AgeCare Bow Crest.  We are extremely grateful for the exceptional care, attention, and love they provided for Antonio.

Antonio is survived by his loving wife, Assunta, his two sons, Gregorio (Willow) Ranieri; Pietro (Lauree) Ranieri, and daughter Maria Teresa (Giuseppe) Secreto. He is survived by his grandchildren, Luke and Nicole Ranieri (Rose Audia-Ranieri, mother), Quentin and Hazel Ranieri, and Sophia and Victoria Secreto.

Antonio is also survived by his two sisters, Rosa, and Raffaelina (Antonio); brother Rocco (Rosa); three sisters-in-law, Teresa, Angela, and Maria; brother-in-law Gregorio; numerous nieces and nephews, and other family in Canada, United States, Argentina, Italy, and Switzerland.

Antonio is predeceased by his father Antonio and mother Maria Teresa and in-laws, Antonio and Teresa Corasintti; five sisters, Maria, Caterina, Giuseppina, Angela, and Pasqualina; two brothers, Giuseppe and Gregorio; brothers-in-law Rocco, Domenico S., Domenico A., Paolo, Gregorio, and Tranquillo; and his sister-in-law Gregorina.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Mary Mother of the Redeemer (1714 14 Ave NE, Calgary, AB, Calgary) on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary Mother of the Redeemer (1714 14 Ave NE, Calgary, AB, Calgary) on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a tribute. Graveside Service to follow at Queens Park Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at McInnis & Holloway Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6). Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Ranieri's service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

In living memory of Antonio Ranieri, 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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