Obituary of Giovanni IZZO

IZZO, Giovanni February 10, 1926 – Pietramelara, Caserta, Italy December 13, 2013 – Calgary, Alberta It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Giovanni Izzo, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, at the age of 87. Giovanni passed away peacefully at the Foothills Medical Centre on Friday, December 13, 2013, surrounded by his family. He will be missed by his devoted wife of fifty-four years, Maria Izzo; daughter Lillian (Enzo) Ianniello; son Tony Izzo; and daughter Sara Izzo; his three grandchildren, Michele & Morena Ianniello, and Tiana Izzo. He is also survived by three brothers, Giuseppe (Regina), Vince (Maria), and Mario, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by five siblings, Nicola, Luigi, Teresa, Maria, and Pietro. Giovanni was born on February 10, 1926 in Pietramelara, Caserta, Italy, and was the second of nine children. At the age of 22, he moved to Switzerland where he worked on a dairy farm for five years. Those five years were his most talked-about and cherished memories. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 and married the love of his life, Maria in 1959. He worked for Cana Construction until he retired at the age of 57. During his retirement, he enjoyed vacations to BC, California, Hawaii and Italy. On weekends, he would drive out to the mountains with his family to fish, enjoy great food, and spend time with loved ones. Giovanni’s greatest passion was his garden, where he spent many long hours nurturing his tomatoes, peppers, and many other vegetables. His favorite time of year was September, when he made wine with his son-in-law Enzo, and crushed tomatoes with his family. He looked forward to Saturday nights at the Italian Club with his wife, where they would dine, dance, and laugh with their friends. He left us with a lifetime of memories that we will cherish forever. He will be missed dearly. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish (1714 – 14th Avenue N.E.) on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Condolences may be forwarded through . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Lung Association, P.O. Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, AB T6E 6K2 Telephone: 1 (888) 566 – 5864. . A heartfelt thank you to Unit 32 at the Foothills Hospital for the amazing care they provided. A special thank you to Dr. Davida Osei-Tutu, the Internal Medicine team and his family physician, Dr. Douglas Caine. We are forever grateful. In living memory of Giovanni Izzo, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Telephone: 403-276-2296.