It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and Nonno Eusebio (Eddy) Caravaggio who peacefully departed this world on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the age of 86.
Eddy was born on November 12, 1937, to Angela and Rocco Caravaggio in Rocca San Giovanni, Chieti, Abruzzo Italy. Eddy married his love Amelia (nee DiCarlo) on February 24, 1957. After a short time together, he was required to begin his military obligation in Palermo, Sicily forcing him to leave his new bride behind and fulfill his commitment.
Nearing completion of his obligatory military service in 1959, Eddy was granted an early discharge from the Italian army allowing him and his young bride to set sail on the ship Saturnia bound for Canada on December 23, 1959. Filled with nervous excitement they arrived at Pier 21 Halifax, Nova Scotia on January 3, 1960. Their journey was not complete as they continued to Vancouver where family awaited, and new lifelong friendships would be made. It was there that shortly thereafter they started a family having two children, Ivana, and Rocco Riccardo.
Upon arriving in Vancouver, Eddy promptly found work with AC Leslie Steel Ltd. where he worked for more than a decade. Despite this, Eddy’s true entrepreneurial spirit yearned as he left his steady job to establish Eddy’s Landscaping Ltd., which he successfully ran for more than 50 years. Working closely with notable landscape architects and designers, Eddy was instrumental in shaping and sculpting numerous landscape projects in the Lower Mainland and was truly instrumental in helping make British Columbia beautiful!
Intrinsic to Eddy was his commitment to “doing it right” and setting a benchmark for a strong work ethic. His dedication to his family was enormous and was always his primary priority.
Despite leaving Italy, Eddy remained committed to his Abruzzese heritage. He would soon join the Circolo Abruzzese club and eventually become an executive committee member. Both he and Amelia cherished their time with the club and the community and fellowship it provided with the banquets and picnics a highlight of their social calendar.
Eddy’s true passion was singing. Although leaving his dream to further his singing, behind in Italy, he preserved his joy for music while in Canada. For many years, he was involved in a local Italian Men’s Choir and the Gruppo Trevigiano Veneto Folkloristic Group of Vancouver. Eddy embraced any social opportunity to engage in song with family and friends.
Dad, your gardens will be maintained, and your favourite songs will be sung, but most of all your memory, spirit and passion will always be in our hearts.
Eddy is survived by his children Ivana (Robert), Riccardo (Paola); his grandchildren Mark, Brittany (David), Kiara, and Angelica. His sisters Eva Martelli (Giulio), and Mafalda Maria (Nicola) Minervino.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Angela, and Rocco; his siblings, Adolorato Nicoletta (Alberto) Ferrantone, and Liana Lucia (Sylvio) DiMarzio.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Bell & Burnaby Funeral Home, 4276 Hastings, Street, Burnaby, BC.
Funeral services will be Friday, January 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Frances de Sales, 6610 Balmoral St, Burnaby, BC with the Father Thomas Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Ocean View Funeral Home & Burial Park, 4000 Imperial St., Burnaby, BC.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Diabetes Canada in honour of Eusebio (Eddy) Caravaggio.
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