Mr. Quinto Cardellini

Quinto Cardellini passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the age of 92. Quinto was born on April 3, 1922 near Antrodoco, Rieti, Italy. He has gone to join his three brothers, Mario, Francesco, and Emilio and his seven sisters, Adelaide, Margarita, Emma, Pia, Lisa, Gina, and Yola to be with his Lord. Quinto is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Maria (nee Serani). He is also lovingly remembered by his three children, Phyllis (Paul) Runnett, Tino (Rosa) Cardellini, and Elena (Chris) Francis; six grandchildren, Danny (Catheryn), Ryan (Melissa), Nicole (Doug), Rick (Corey), Vince (Suzy), and Andy; twelve great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews in both Italy and Canada.

Quinto loved to tell stories and told many about his travels to Corsica, Sardenia, Livorno, Firenza, Napoli, and Foggia during the war. After recovering from a serious illness, Quinto was determined to make the most out of life. In 1948, with his sister Yola, he immigrated to Canada to join his sister Adelaide in Calgary. In 1950, Maria joined him and they married. Quinto quickly became a Canadian citizen. He was also a founding member, and an interim president, of the Calgary Italian Club.

Quinto worked hard to create his dream of owning a farm. He was so happy when he bought a small “fixer upper” near the town of Dalroy, AB. With lots of help from his neighbours, Quinto learned how to adapt from being an Italian shepherd, to an Alberta cattle and grain farmer. He enjoyed having an assortment of animals like sheep, geese, rabbits, pigs, trout, bantam roosters, etc. to keep things interesting. The garden had “exotic” Italian veggies the neighbours never heard of. There were frequent visitors from the city, coming to get some fresh country air and pick up healthy eggs or meat. Quinto loved children and served as a school bus driver for Kathryn School for 22 years. He loved being a Nonno and Bisnonno. Quinto always had a treat for the kids, in his pocket, at the ready.

With travel freedom in mind, Quinto and Maria sold the farm and moved to Mayland Heights. They got away for several trips to BC and casino trips to Regina, Reno, Jackpot, and Vegas. They returned to Italy to visit family and swung by Vienna. They also went to more exotic locales like Cuba and Mexico. They were active members of the Italian Club, Italian Church social club, and Renfrew Pool. Quinto loved to socialize and joke around. They participated in many activities like aquasize, bowling, bocce, bingo, dancing, and playing scopa. Quinto was also quick to help others who needed rides to church or help with errands. He loved his tomatoes but was obsessed with grafting fruit onto trees; in his yard, his kids’ yards, throughout the neighbourhood and city. They sold their home in Mayland Heights in 2007 and moved into Aspen Lodge. They quickly made many new friends and would continue to enjoy their many activities. In September 2012, Quinto even became a Guinness World Record Holder for the most people doing chair-based exercises.

Quinto taught us through example to remain active and curious, be sociable, enjoy life, cherish family, and serve others. Thanks Quinto!

There will be prayers, tributes, and visitation at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, 1714 – 14 Avenue N.E., Calgary on Thursday, November 20 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery Mausoleum. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite 100-119 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 (1-888-473-4636). Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial