Armando Petrillo

Armando Petrillo passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 86 years. Armando was born on March 6, 1939, in Benevento, Italy. Armando immigrated to Canada in 1962 for a better life. Shortly after, in 1963, he married his beloved Concetta. In 1964, their daughter Angela was born.

Armando is lovingly remembered by his wife Concetta, daughter Angela Civitarese (Lorenzo) and grandchildren Delano and Aleta Civitarese, brothers Luciano (Ann) and Antonio (Rosina), nephews Neal, Ryan and Pietro and niece Pierina and families. Armando was loved like grandpa by his grandchildren’s partners, Cole (Aleta) and Breanna (Delano). Armando enjoyed many dinners with his family, including a very special engagement dinner for Aleta and Cole in December, and Christmas. Armando had a great appreciation for good food and time with his family right until his final days.

Armando worked hard in home construction for his first few years in Canada, before beginning a career with The Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1992, Angela and Lorenzo bought Panda Flowers Crowfoot. Armando worked for many years after his retirement helping at the flower shop, he was loved by so many employees and customers. While Angela and Lorenzo were busy establishing their business, Armando helped out with pick-ups and drop-offs to school and sports for his grandchildren. His grandchildren even developed Italian accents from the amount of time they spent with him; he is like a second father to them both.

Armando spent his whole life living close to family in northwest Calgary. In 1990, he moved to his longtime home in Scenic Acres, right next door to his brother-in-law John and sister-in-law Mary, across the street from his niece Nancy (Buzz and Family) and doors down from his daughter’s family. Many other neighbours became like family to Armando. During his final nine months, Armando lived with Angela and Lorenzo, caring for his wife, tending for his small garden and going on walks.

Armando enjoyed maintaining a pristine lawn and pruning his trees to perfection at his longtime home in Scenic Acres. He always maintained a plentiful garden and creative solutions for keeping rabbits out. Armando loved to make prosciutto, sausage and wine, even more so, he loved sharing his creations with his family and friends. He enjoyed trips to Italy and South America to visit family. With Angela and her family, he took many trips to Hawaii, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. There are countless photos of Armando napping poolside on patio chairs, enjoying the beach with his family with a pina colada in hand, and even stirring a paella on the beach. Every June, he spent weeks at Angela and Lorenzo’s vacation home at Mara Lake, going on boat rides, pruning the grape vine and taking his famous patio chair naps.

Armando will be lovingly remembered for his selfless personality; he did everything for his family without a second thought. He worried about everyone but himself. He cared for Concetta until he was physically incapable. During his final hours, he shook his finger at family members, telling them not to cry. He was a people pleaser, always greeting others with a handshake and a smile despite his poor physical condition in his final months. When asked how he was feeling, he would always respond ‘well, I’m still here’. Armando always took great care of himself, taking vitamins and doing exercises even during his final hours. Armando will live on in his family as they strive to carry on his virtues of selflessness, hard work, bravery and his fighting spirit.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at a visitation held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with the Reverend Raul Ranola officiating.