Ferdinando Capitanio

November 23, 1934 - June 21, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Father and Nonno, Nando Capitanio on June 21, 2025 at his home in East Vancouver at the age of 90.

Nando was predeceased by his son Fabrizio in 1989, his brother Carlo in 2021 and his sister-in-law Joan in 2017. He is survived by his loving wife Rosa, children Mauro (Alyssa), Giovanni (Sonia), granddaughter Cristina, his sister Giovanna and brother-in-law (Tonino) and many nephews, nieces and extended family and friends both in Italy and Canada.

Nando was born on November 23, 1934 in Ornano Grande, Italy. He grew up in the Gran Sasso region of Abbruzzo and in 1953 began his military training in Caserta and Rome.

In 1958 he completed his electrician’s training in Rome and travelled to Argentina to work for AGIP (ENI) in the oil fields. He returned to Italy in 1962 where he met Rosa and were married in October of 1963. Shortly thereafter, he travelled to Iran to work in a power station and in 1964 returned to Italy for the birth of his first son Mauro. Fabrizio was born a year later in 1965, followed by Giovanni in 1966.

The family remained in Italy until their move to Vancouver, Canada in 1973 where Nando joined his brother Carlo and worked in the construction business until 1979.

In 1980 he started work at UBC’s Facilities Division as an instrument mechanic. He worked there for almost 20 years until his retirement in 1997.

Nando enjoyed his retirement years by travelling back to Italy on numerous occasions. He also enjoyed travel to Mexico and Hawaii with Rosa, as well as a few cruise vacations. He also enjoyed cross country and downhill skiing, hiking and bike riding, especially around the False Creek area.

Nando appreciated the Canadian way of life but also maintained a strong bond to his Italian heritage. He could often be found on Commercial Drive having an espresso at one of the Italian Coffee bars or eating a pizza at one of the pizzerias. Oakridge Mall was also a favorite hangout for Nando and he would enjoy a morning stroll while Rosa was busy shopping.

The arrival of his granddaughter Cristina in 2002 gave Nando a new purpose. Nando was so very proud to share with Cristina his Italian heritage and language, and would often spend summer months with her at the Tennis courts or on a bike ride around the neighborhood. Their bond continued as Cristina grew older and she will miss him dearly.

A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, July 2,2025 at 1:00pm at St. Francis de Sales Parish located at 6610 Balmoral Street in Burnaby followed by the Burial at Ocean View Burial Park at 4000 Imperial Street in Burnaby.

In lieu of flowers, Nando had requested that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

We sincerely thank family and friends for all the love, support and prayers. Nando will be missed but never forgotten.