Obituary of Eligio Michael Di Maria

January 1, 1937 - Santa Croce del Sannio, Italy

August 27, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Eligio “Mike” Di Maria, beloved husband of Maria Di Maria (nee Zeoli), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at the age of 87 years.

Born on January 1, 1937, in Santa Croce del Sannio, Italy, Mike married his love, Maria Zeoli, in 1960 before she immigrated to Canada. He joined her in Calgary in 1962 to start their new lives and a family.

He spent most of his career at Twinpak, working there for over two and a half decades, until his retirement. Upon retirement Mike spent time doing what he enjoyed most, being outdoors. He loved gardening and his yard was always filled with rows of vegetables. The apple and pear trees that adorned his yard were his pride and joy. There were always plenty of vegetables and fruit to share generously with family and friends. Another favourite outdoor pastime was fishing with his brother, brothers-in-law, and their families.

Besides his loving wife of 64 years, Maria, Mike is survived by his son, Tony Di Maria (Brenda), and his two daughters, Lina Suey (Murray) and Ada Englot (Gene); grandchildren, Robert (Stephanie), Amanda (Jarrett), Christina, Carissa (Alex), Michael, Cole, and Kaitlyn; and great-grandchildren April, Caius, and Wyatt. Mike is also survived by his sister Addolorata Di Maria as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike is predeceased by his parents, Antonio and Anna Di Maria; brothers, John and Pasqualino; and great-grandson Emmett Robinson.

The family would like to express thanks to the staff at Cambridge Manor who cared for Mike in his last years of life and extend a special thanks to Rita H. and Rita I. for the companionship and care they gave Mike.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Catholic Church (1100 Berkshire Boulevard NW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Entombment Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1K8., Telephone: 1-800-616-8816, www.alzheimer.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Eligio’s family here.

In living memory of Eligio Di Maria, 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: 403-276-2296.