Romano Iannace

With heavy hearts the family of Romano Iannace announces his peaceful passing on Friday, August 18, 2023, in Calgary, AB at the age of 85 years. As the beloved patriarch of a large family, Romano was a loving husband, father, nonno, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his dear wife of 61 years, Biagina; children Biagio (Susan) and Anna (Angelo); grandchildren Joel (Melissa), Sarah (Justin), Amelia (Geoffrey), Anthony, and Andrena (Mitch); great-granddaughters Halle, Kailyn, Cecilia, and Karaline; brother Mario (Nella); sisters Licia (Giuseppi) and Mierella (Luigi); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom he loved dearly. Romano was welcomed into heaven and into the loving arms of his mama and papa, Biagio and Amelia Iannace, his son Emilio, and his sister Rosetta.

Romano was born in Torano Castello, in the province of Cosenza in Southern Italy on January 2, 1938. He spent his first 20 years in Italy before moving to Calgary, AB in December 1958. In his younger years, he enjoyed going to the Italian Club for a night out, dancing into the wee hours of the morning. In the summer of 1959, Romano met Biagina, through her two bothers Pasquale and Francesco DeGuiseppe, and they wed on January 27, 1962. Together, they continued going out to dance the nights away, a memory that is greatly cherished.

Romano had a strong work ethic and worked at Alberta Trailers when he first arrived in Canada, but his true passion was being a Cobbler, a trade he learned in Torano Castello as a teenager. He continued to pursue his passion and bought his own business, Acadia Shoe Repair, in 1965. He owned and operated his business for 35 years, with his trusted and loyal partner, his brother Mario. The business was a true family affair with Biagina working the front counter and Biagio and Emilio learning the trade from their father. As a team, Romano and Mario were known as the best, and Acadia Shoe Repair had a reputation for excellence in workmanship. Romano made many friends during his time working at the shoe shop, who he cherished in his retirement after selling his business in 2000.

Romano was a proud father who always supported his children. He loved to watch Biagio’s hockey and football games and enjoyed Emilio’s performances with The Young Canadians. He had a love of travelling and was always excited to vacation with Anna and her family to Mexico, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Penticton.

Romano was a kind, gentle, and funny man. He was generous, compassionate, and always willing to help others. He was a man who could lead with few words, careful of his actions, and considerate of others. Romano was cherished by many and will be greatly missed.

Romano’s Funeral Mass will be held at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1714 14 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada https://www.bloodcancers.ca/